what causes dust and how can I get it out of my house once and for all?

Question

I have no carpets or drapes -- only tile floors and fake wood blinds. I sweep and mop constantly. But my son is horribly allergic to dust and it keeps coming back. Does anyone know of a product I can spray on floors, behind furniture, etc., to stop the dust from forming? Or at least slow it down? Or should I just replace the whole AC unit. Expensive, but worth it if it works. The question is, will it?

Answer 1

There will never be a "cure" for dust... We are shedding skin cells as we speak... wait theres one now... Also, outdoor pollutants are coming in via the Ac and doors and windows too. Not to mention if you have pets, Dander is a killer.

You can however, install new dust/allergen reducing AC filters. You have removed a huge dust attractor duo- carpeting and drapes.

Always remember to dust celing fans as well, because they harbor dust as well.

Just do the best you can.

Answer 2

While it's difficult to truly remove all dust... It does help to keep all the doors and windows closed and have your A/C unit cleaned and checked on an annual basis.. It also helps to change the filter to the A/C atleast once a month and if it's a reusable filter giving it a good cleaning... That will help keep the dust down.. Also, using a dust mop on your hard wood floors will help.. The electromagnetic quality of the fibers traps the dust/dirt as oppossed to mopping which may ruin your floors... Also, furniture polish is a total dust magnet. Just use a microfiber cloth dampened with water.. It will pick up the dirt w/o using harsh chemicals (that your son may also be alllergic too). You can get a pack of 12 microfiber cloth at Walmart for about $12 and they can be used on just about everything just don't wash/dry them with fabric softner/dryer sheets... I even use one in the evening to take my make-up off... Also, when you wash/change your bedding once a week vacuum your mattress.... Hope that helps and good luck

Answer 3

Well this is something all we humans would like to repel in our homes but unfortunately we can not yet, just keep mopping and dusting as you normally do but with some exceptions, instead of swishing the dust back into the air, use a different type of duster such as one that picks up the dust like using old panty hose bunched up and used as a duster or you can use an old sock that has been moisten with water then used as a duster this will prevent the dust from flying around in the air again thus reducing your son's allergies, you can also use a used dryer sheet to dust these are great for picking up the dust instead of spreading it around the home, I also make a tacky cloth by treating a cloth with polish and also moistening the cloth with water and putting it into a ziplock bag overnight, then take it out when you are ready to use it to dust. Good Luck !

Answer 4

hello kitty beat me to it. Dead skin cells, pretty gross, eh?

Anyway, you can check for air infiltration from doors and windows, and get Hepa filter.

If the AC unit is working fine, then I wouldn't replace it. Air quality is a balancing act. Too much humidity and not enough air changes and it feels stuffy. Too dry and too many air changes and it feels drafty and cold. And with allergies it is harder to find the balancing point. Too dry and it is tougher on his dust allergies. But you need to change the air, to filter dust. So you have to find the balancing point between humidity and air changes.

But first seal up windows and doors as best possible, and try a high quality air filter. If that does not help enough, look at some of the extra air filtration devices and or humidifiers or dehumidifiers if the air feels too dry or humid.

BTW, I know the situation. My son has pretty bad allergies. It is tough to get the air right for him.

Good luck

Answer 5

I dont think you would ever get rid of the dust as its in the air outside, even if you close all the windows and doors it still gets inside. Be thankful you and your son dont stay in Libya. They have some of the worst dusty days i have ever seen in my life and it comes from the Sahara. THe cleaning is unbelievable afterwards and its so bad for the lungs. I always try to keep my kids indoors when it comes out. Just keep on with the cleaning and at least your getting rid of most of it. Good Luck

Answer 6

The majority of dust comes from human skin cells that shed off us. There really is no way to get rid of it but to keep things as clean as possible. This time of year is one of the worst times for allergies. Possibly have the AC unit cleaned but not replaced.

Answer 7

If you ever figure it out....let me know. Our world is filled with dust and just looking for a place to land. You might try a air cleaning system. These can be purchase as a table top model so no major remodeling is necessary, but I have found that these don't get rid of all dust partical and dusting is still necessary.

Answer 8

there are things you get added to the furnace to eliminate up to 98% of common household dust. you must have the furnace running on summer fan all summer long , but if this allergy is severe it may be worth it.

that and really good filtres.
.

Answer 9

Make sure your clothes dryer is properly ventilated.Mine is located across from my bedroom, and you should the amount of dust.

Answer 10

I wish I knew too......but I think most dust is the dead skin cells that come off US, so there is no chance of eliminating it.