If you’re like most of us, you waited as long as you could before turning on the furnace. We all caved during last week’s cold spell. But with the warmth of the furnace comes something less cozy: the dust. We’re already seeing more dust on coffee tables and shelves. So if your house seems dustier now too, you’re not imagining things! Changes in indoor airflow and humidity can make household dust more noticeable.
However, a few simple adjustments to your cleaning routine will help you stay ahead of the dust throughout the colder months.
Start with the humidity.
Cold air generally contains less moisture than warm air and forced-air heating makes it even worse. This increases static electricity, which can attract dust to furniture and other surfaces, making our homes seem dustier than usual.
It’s a surprisingly easy fix. Add a humidifier to get the relative humidity back to 30-50%, or simply put on a simmer pot.
Keep in mind, too much moisture can lead to mold and dust mites, so be sure you don’t go too far. If you see condensation on the windows, that’s a sign to back off on the humidity. A $10 hygrometer will also monitor the levels.
Change your furnace filter.
Your HVAC system might be stirring up dust. A fresh furnace filter helps capture airborne particles as they move through your heating system, reducing the amount of dust circulating through your home.
How often it needs replaced depends on your heating system, whether you have pets, and whether you wear shoes in the home.
Keep up with regular cleaning.
It’s best to dust around once a week, especially in the places it accumulates. Start with surfaces like shelving, tables, countertops, around vent registers, and window tracks. Use a damp microfiber to trap it, instead of letting it become airborne.
Also be sure to wash bedding, seasonal throw blankets, and vacuum carpets and rugs with a HEPA-filtered vacuum. (We love the Shark Rotator Lift-Away for our own homes!)
A little extra dust might be part of the colder months, but it doesn’t have to take over your home. With a few simple adjustments, you can spend less time chasing dust and more time enjoying everything cozy about the season.
