Dusty walls are a common issue in many homes and can prove to be a real annoyance, especially as it can affect your health. Dust is made up of a combination of lots of different tiny particles from skin cells, pet dander, pollen, and fibres from clothes and furniture. These particles float around in the air before eventually settling on surfaces and walls.
Cleaning expert Joyce French at HomeHow.co.uk explains how to prevent dust from settling, and offers simple solutions on how to remove dust effectively. There are certain conditions in your home that can make dust settle faster. For example, low humidity levels will cause dust to stay airborne for longer, leading to more settling on walls. Outdoor factors can increase the amount of indoor dust, such as high pollution levels or pollen. Walls in high-traffic areas, like kitchens and living rooms, tend to get dustier and walls near windows and doors collect more dust because they are exposed to outdoor particles.
The type of wall finish in a room also has an influence, with matte or rough paints tending to trap more dust whereas smooth, glossy surfaces are more effective at repelling particles.
Joyce recommends dusting at least once a week with a microfibre cloth or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. These tools can trap dust better than traditional dusters, but it is important to use gentle motions to avoid damaging wallpaper or paint.
Vacuum sofas, carpets, and curtains weekly to reduce dust sources. If you have pets, groom and bathe them regularly to cut down on shedding and excess dust caused by pet dander. It is also important to keep your clothes and bedding clean, as these are common dust carriers.
To keep walls clean, the expert says to start by dry dusting using a microfiber cloth or a soft wall brush. Gently wipe walls to remove loose dust. For stubborn spots, use a slightly damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution – avoid harsh chemicals that could damage paint.
To prevent dense build up, Joyce said to use a simple solution every few months. Washing your walls with a mixture of mild soap and water, using a sponge or soft cloth, will deep clean the surfaces to prevent dust from settling.
Keeping the air in your home clean using an air purifier is also a great way to prevent it from settling.
Joyce says that purifiers with filters are perfect for catching airborne dust particles before they settle. Maintaining moderate humidity levels can help dust stay airborne for longer, preventing it from sticking quickly.