How Do I... Clean my Home to Stop Dust and Allergens?
A microbiologist shares a practical, daily cleaning routine for creating a healthy home
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home-related questions. Here, Gem McLuckie, advanced research scientist in microbiology at Dyson, shares a step-by-step weekly cleaning routine to eliminate dust and allergens in your home.
Tuesday
- Remove dust from kitchen cupboard tops, using either a vacuum with an advanced filtration system or by dusting with a clean, damp cloth or cleaning wipes.
- Clear kitchen benchtops and cupboards to deep clean. Vacuum your kitchen to remove dust and debris, then wash surfaces with warm water and detergent. Finish off by drying all surfaces.
- Empty the fridge and freezer, and clean all surfaces with warm water and detergent or cleaning product. Vacuum around the back and under your fridge and freezer, without forgetting the cooler element on the back as this will improve performance.
Wednesday
- Vacuum the places most of us don’t get to regularly, such as under furniture.
- Vacuum your sofa and armchairs, which can harbour large debris along with dust mites, skin flakes and other allergens such as pollen.
- Wash any coverings and cushions to remove dust caught within them.
Thursday
- You may be surprised by how much dust can gather in your curtains and blinds. Make sure you vacuum them with a soft brush tool or launder them if possible and practical.
- Dust on certain wall types can contribute to the growth of mould. Remove dust from walls by dusting with a damp cloth or cleaning wipes or with a vacuum cleaner.
Friday
- Dust lights and light fittings. Dust can gather in lampshades and light fittings, which can burn on hot bulbs and produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odour, or it can be moved around the room by the warm air produced by the bulbs.
The Dyson V11 Outsize cordless vacuum, which retails for $1,299
Your turn
Has your cleaning routine changed this year? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more expert advice? Take a look at this story: Home Under Pressure? How to Get It (and Keep It) Up and Running
Your turn
Has your cleaning routine changed this year? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more expert advice? Take a look at this story: Home Under Pressure? How to Get It (and Keep It) Up and Running
- Wash bedding on a 60°C or 90°C wash to help break down and reduce allergens.
- Wash or replace duvets and pillows to reduce the amount of dust mites and skin flakes in your bed.
- Vacuum both sides of your mattress to remove dust mites and skin flakes.
Looking to lighten the load by hiring a cleaner? Find a cleaning professional near you on Houzz