Everything is dust. And dust is everything. That’s because the “stuff” that makes up our universe… and us… is constantly wearing down. The trees, the mountains, your pet, your friend… everything in the universe is continually creating dust.

Where does all that dust go? Take a look around and you see it. It’s in the air, waiting to land on your desk, or your floor. And what’s in that dust? Here’s a small list of “ingredients” found in Southern California’s household dust:

• Human skin
• Animal fur
• Decomposing insects
• Food debris
• Clothing fibers
• Soil
• Soot
• Tobacco particles
• Lead
• Arsenic
• DDT

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)? Yes, a chemical pesticide that was banned in the United States in 1972, is still lingering. Lead? It hasn’t been used in paint since 1978. These are heavy chemicals and elements. DDT was an effective and dangerous pesticide because it lingers and remains potent for a long, long time – that’s why it worked. Lead is an element – it can’t break down. Our modern world creates all sorts of dangerous products that eventually find their way into the air… and into our homes, where they contaminate our food, bedding, and lungs.

Dusting may be the least interesting chore you perform, but it’s the most important. And, in southern California, that dust is toxic.  At Master Clean, we specialize in removing harmful dust from your home, office and rental properties. We take dust very seriously.

To help you get the dust out, we’ve assembled a few tips to keep your environment dust-free and safe for you, your family and your pets.

1. Move clockwise around through the room

Taking a systematic approach to dusting will ensure that you get all those wild California dust bunnies under control. As you move around, you’ll force the dust into the center of the room, where it’s easy to remove. Don’t dust random objects. dust everything. And move objects on tables to get the dust off the entire surface.

2. Rinse your cloth regularly

When your dust cloth shows visible dust on it’s leading edge, rinse it with clean water. Otherwise, you’re simply pushing the dust around the surface and making it airborne again, to fall on another surface another day.

3. Dust hard-to-reach places

You may be tempted to skip behind the television or under the drapes. Remember, the more dust you remove from you home, the cleaner your air will be – and the healthier your family will feel. Use a Swiffer® Duster and Extender or other handled duster with a narrow end to reach crevices and behind heavy furniture.

4. Vacuum furniture

We all know that vacuuming the floor and carpeting is essential to reduce dust, but don’t forget the furniture. It’s difficult to wipe dust from fabric beds, chairs, and sofas. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to capture the dust from within the fibers of your furnishings.

5. Clean the floors

After you’ve thoroughly dusted all, counters, furniture surfaces, and objects, then dust the floor to capture all the dust that “got away.” Vacuum the floor and rugs and use a Swiffer® WetJet floor cleaner to remove the residual dust. Never reuse a pad.

That’s a lot to remember. And, if you’re like most people, the technique of dusting is NOT a skill you want to learn. Fortunately,  the professionals at Master Clean are expert at keeping your home, office, or rental property clear of dust. Call us today and schedule a consultation.