May is here, and so is allergy season. If you’re someone who’s severely affected by allergies in the spring, you know how tough it can be to find relief. While we often think of pollen as the main culprit, dust indoors can be just as irritating—if not more. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce allergens in your home, starting with how you clean. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Dust?
Dust isn’t just one thing—it’s a collection of many tiny particles that can wreak havoc on allergy suffers. It’s made up of:
- Dead skin cells
- Pollen
- Dirt
- Bacteria
- Pet dander
- Crumbs
- Hair
- Clothing fibers
- Dead insect parts
- Microplastics
- …and more!
Gross, right? Dust sneaks into your home through open doors and windows, on your clothes and shoes, and even clings to your pets. Without regular cleaning, it piles up pretty quickly—especially in hidden or high-traffic areas.
How Does Dust Effect You?
If you have allergies or asthma, dust can be a major trigger. Sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and congestion are just some of the things you can experience from allergies. Constant exposure to dust can make your symptoms worse. Dust mites—tiny bugs that live in dust—are a common allergen and thrive in warm, humid environments like bedding, carpets, and upholstery. These can also exasperate your allergy symptoms.
How to Reduce Dust and Allergens Through Cleaning
Sweep and Vacuum Frequently: The Libman Precision Angle® Broom with Clean Fibers Dustpan is perfect for trapping fine particles. Make sure to also vacuum rugs and carpets once a week using a HEPA filter vacuum. Remember to vacuum areas like under beds, behind furniture and other hidden areas that house built-up dust.
Tip: Adding an air purifier to your home can help capture airborne dust and allergens.
Mop Hard Floors with Microfiber: Hardwood and tile floors can still collect dust. Use our Microfiber Dust Mop. Its 
microfiber fingers lock in dust and allergens that might be left over after sweeping.
Remove Dust from Vents, Blinds and Fans:
- Vents: Vents are a prime suspect for accumulating dust, and often spit out dust when air moves through them, spreading allergens throughout your home. Our Swivel Duster is perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach vents with the capability to extend to 80”.
- Blinds: Dust loves to accumulate on the surface of blinds. Our Microfiber Duster helps to eliminate this built-up dust easily.
- Fans: The top of fans can get dusty really quickly, despite moving through the air all the time. Our Flexible Microfiber Duster extends to 7 feet, and can take dust off of your fans in one swipe.
Regularly Dust Surfaces of Furniture: Tables, chairs, and décor accumulates dust. Utilize our Soft-Touch Dust Cloth for delicate surfaces like picture frames or other decorations.
Remove Shoes at the Door: Create a no-shoes policy indoors to prevent tracking in pollen, dirt and other outdoor allergens.
Tip: Utilize a door mat so that people can wipe the soles of their shoes before entering your home.
Groom your Pets: Regular grooming and bathing of your pets reduces shedding and the amount of pet dander in your home.
Minimize the Clutter: Fewer things laying around make it easier to clean your space. Get rid of or donate things you don’t need so you can avoid dust.
Now that you understand how dust impacts your allergies, it’s time to start cleaning! With the right products and a solid routine, you can reduce allergens and breathe easier all season long.