Have you ever been cleaning and come across a shocking accumulation of hidden dust? It has happened to all of us. Dust collects in inconvenient places that we tend to overlook while focusing on the obvious clutter. But once it gets out of control, it can affect indoor air quality as it begins to attract dust mites and other allergens.
So if you’re ready to get serious reduction of household duststart with this list of sneaky places dust hides.
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1. Bathroom exhaust fans
Ceiling fans are obvious sources of dust, easily cleaned with a duster extension or pillow case over each of the fan blades. But don’t forget the bathroom exhaust fan. Sucks dust and steam, which dries on the blades. To clean it, gently pull the cover an inch from the ceiling, squeeze the U-clips together to release it, and use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to clean the blades. Wash the cover in warm soapy water and replace it when dry.
2. Ceiling lights
Ever wonder why your pendant or ceiling lights seem dimmer? Dust may accumulate. These hard-to-reach fixtures are classic places where dust hides. If you are agile, climb a ladder to remove the cover and wash it thoroughly. Not a rock climber? Use your extension cord or a mop covered with a damp microfiber cloth.
3. Window treatments
Deep fabric window treatments twice a year. Wash the washable curtains according to the instructions or this guide. Get curtains that cannot be dry cleaned. Clean window blinds with two socked hands and a bottle of soapy water and wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Between deep cleanings, vacuuming and treating blinds monthly with a dust brush to keep dust and pet hair from accumulating on them.
4. Small protrusions
I’m always shocked at how much dust collects on little ledges. You know the ones: the tops of doors, on top of door and window trim, over light switch plates and outlet covers, and all kinds of trim, including baseboards. Each one has a tiny little ledge at the top where hidden dust loves to collect. Be sure to wipe these dusty parts when cleaning. For stubborn dirt around light switches, use a dry old toothbrush before wiping.
5. Cabinet tops
As a short person, I don’t often think about the hidden dust above the kitchen cabinets, but once a season I take out the ladder to clean the dust that collects there. A handheld vacuum is helpful with this point: climb your ladder, vacuum over the cabinets (use a brush attachment if it has one), then wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Probably not climb? Grab an extension rod and add an electrostatic duster, then gently bend it 90 degrees. Drag it along the top of the cabinet to collect the dust. Shake it out and repeat a few times to make sure you have it all.
6. Indoor plants
Indoor plants help clean the air, but they can’t do their job well if they’re covered in dust. Moreover, it is not good for their health. So, wipe your plant’s leaves monthly with a clean, damp cloth or pop them in the shower for a quick rinse with a gentle spray. (And remember, even fake plants need cleaning.)
7. Shower frames
Exhaust fans aren’t the only places that collect hidden dust in your bathroom. Also give your shower frame or shower rod a good wipe down once a month. While you’re at it, clean the track with a few quick swipes of a microfiber cloth to get rid of buildup and keep your shower door running smoothly.
8. Stair banisters, spindles and railings
My cat loves to go through the stair treads, leaving them covered in pet hair. Even if yours is a pet-free home, chances are that banners, spindles and banisters on stairs or indoor balconies have collected more dust than you realize. Wipe them monthly with a warm, soapy cloth and then rinse with a clean, damp cloth.
9. Book collections
Books and shelves are dust magnets. To protect them from pests and eliminate hidden dust, deep clean your collection at least once a year. To do this, clean the shelves and wipe them. Then, working one book at a time, flip through the pages to make sure there are no unwanted creatures (silverfish love to hide in books) and help remove particles stuck between the pages. Vacuum each book individually with the dust brush attachment and place it back on the shelf.
10. Air ducts
If your ventilation panels look dusty, imagine what’s behind them. Once a year it’s a good idea to remove the panels and then clean your home’s air ducts. For quick cleaning, reach in and sweep (or vacuum) any dust you see. For more thorough work, follow these steps to clean your home’s air ducts yourself.
11. The space around your stove
That narrow crevice around your stove is a magnet for dust and crumbs. Once a month, vacuum this gap with your crevice tool. Then, twice a year, pull your oven out of the wall to wipe down the sides and cabinets along that gap. You’ll be surprised how much hidden dust you’ll find.
12. Fireplace inserts and screens
Even if you don’t use your fireplace, there’s a lot of hidden dust in there. With fan-powered gas fireplaces, you’ll find dust hiding in the fan vents. Wood burning fireplaces collect dust on the hearth itself. And, of course, if you have a fireplace screen or doors, they are covered with plenty of dust. Use the dust and crevice parts of the vacuum cleaner and then wash them to get rid of the soot you collect. Also wipe the screen and doors with a warm, soapy cloth.
Quick tips for dealing with dust
Keeping your home dust free isn’t just about making it look nice. Excessive dust reduces your home’s indoor air quality and attracts dust mites and other allergens. To reduce dust throughout your home, follow these tips:
- Dust first, wipe later. The idea is to remove dust from your home.
- Use damp cloths. Wet cloths pick up dust. dry spells scatter it. Rinse your cloth frequently to avoid spreading dust as you work.
- Vacuum regularly. Clean wall to wall weekly and high traffic areas every other day.
- Vacuum in two directions. If you have carpets, vacuum the room from side to side in slow, overlapping motions, then turn at a right angle and repeat.
- Mop after mopping. Even the best vacuum leaves dirt on hard floors. Wipe it off.
