Vacuuming Techniques to Minimize Dust in a Residence

The amount of dust in a room has an effect on the quality of air. Owners of residential properties can protect the quality of air in a home by removing dust and vacuuming floors in a manner that minimizes dust disruption.

The gradual accumulation of dust usually goes unnoticed. However, the process may be visible if you have a window with direct sun exposure. When the rays of the sun are directly beaming in through a clear window, you may be able to see a few suspended particles floating in the air.

The accumulation of dust particles is silent but incessant. Because dust can eventually settle anywhere within your home, different techniques are needed to remove the particles from different locations. To protect the quality of your inside air, it is essential that you don't cause the dust particles to become airborne once again.

Remove dust above floor

Before you sweep or vacuum the floors, you can remove dust from certain specific items. Lamp shades tend to serve as dust magnets, but they can be carried outside and cleaned with a soft brush. Dust is also likely to accumulate on tables, desks, and horizontal ledges. After capturing dust on furnishings with a moist cloth, you can tackle the dust on the room floors.

Minimize disruption of dust on floors

The drawback to using a broom or a vacuum cleaner is that the cleaning act itself may toss dust particles back up into the air. An academic study found that the vacuuming of carpet sometimes leads to a temporary resuspension of dust particles. The study suggests that any room occupants may also be affected by the dust that becomes unsettled. The study, however, did not test the more effective HEPA type of filter.

Use a HEPA filter if necessary

Some vacuum cleaners contain a high-efficiency particulate air filter. A HEPA filter is capable of removing 99.97 percent of particles that are at least 0.3 microns in size. For individuals with greater sensitivity to dust, a vacuum with a HEPA filter can minimize the amount of particles resuspended during the vacuuming process.

There are other vacuum cleaners that are not completely HEPA-compliant that are marketed with such terms as HEPA-type and HEPA-style. Regardless of which type of vacuum you choose, vacuuming is a noisy activity. For the sake of other persons, you may want to vacuum when there is no one else in the room. If necessary, you can also wear a dust mask during the process. Contact an HVAC contractor such as Tailor Made Maintenance Inc for more information on indoor air quality.