Given the amount of time we spend removing it, most of us need no convincing that the average home accumulates about 40 pounds of dust each year. This bane of housekeeping consists primarily of microscopic bits of materials that include skin, hair, pollen, fabric and paper fibers, plant matter, and insect parts, and we tend to brush it away without thinking much about it. But dust can also be contaminated by a wide variety of modern pollutants, including soot, pesticides, and hydrocarbons. Another concern is waste left by dust mites, which can cause an allergic reaction, particularly in people who suffer from allergic asthma.. Here are some ways you can safely wield the dust cloth:

When dusting

• Use a damp cloth or statically-charged duster to trap dust. Feather dusters tend to send particles right back into the air.
• Wear a dust mask when cleaning if your home is particularly dusty, or if you are particularly sensitive.

When vacuuming

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which traps dust for safe removal. Use it to clean floors as well as upholstery, draperies, mattresses and even the outside of your computer.

Carpets & Upholstery

• Steam-clean carpets and upholstery at least once a year.

Your Computer

• Don’t open the case of your computer for cleaning or upgrades. Computers can contain PBDEs, toxic flame retardants that find their way into household dust. Instead, take your machine to an outside location for professional servicing.

Bedding

• Wash bedding and mattress pads once a week in hot water to kill dust mites.
• Occasionally wash your pillows in the washing machine. Over time a pillow can gain up to half its weight in dust mite particles. (Wash feather pillows two at a time using the delicate cycle and just a small amount of detergent. Give the pillows an extra rinse when the cycle completes, and dry them in a dryer set on low with several clean sneakers to fluff them back up.)

Humidity

• Monitor your home’s humidity. Dust mites prefer humidity levels over 50 percent. If your air contains too much moisture, use a dehumidifier.

Lower Maintenance

• Use a welcome mat and ask guests to remove their shoes before entering your home. Clean mats regularly.
• Cut down on clutter. Clutter attracts dust and makes it harder to clean.

photo: CedarBendDrive