Got dust? Here's how to get rid of it

Every home needs regular deep-cleaning sessions, but after the dust settles, well, it's common to find a lot more of that dust in some places than others. Specifically, the bedroom.

This is a problem. Dust can cause allergic reactions and aggravate pre-existing health conditions, like asthma. Dust can also contain harmful chemicals like lead.

The Canadian House Dust Study, which the government conducted between 2007 and 2010, suggests all 1,025 homes sampled had measurable concentrations of lead in their house dust.

But why does dust tend to build up faster in the bedroom, where we unwittingly breathe it in for long stretches every night?

Apartment Therapy spoke with experts who gave these three reasons — and some solutions.

1.

Bedroom furnishings are natural dust magnets. “Some rooms may have a tendency to collect more dust due to the contents, as well as the ventilation and air flow to the room,” said Mariliee Nelson, co-founder of cleaning company Branch Basics. “The bedroom, for example, has a tendency to generate dust from the bedding fibres, dust mites and skin cells. If a room has carpet and other upholstered furniture, dust levels increase even more.”

To help fix this, make a habit of regularly washing your sheets, comforters and pillows, and make sure there's a clean filter on your vacuum when you tackle carpets and rugs. And don't forget the curtains — a gust of wind through an open window can create a dust free-for-all.

2.

You're not cleaning the appliances enough. Maybe the ceiling fan or air conditioner is working overtime, and pet dander, dirt or other pollutants have built up. The fix for the air conditioner is simple: Change the filter.

As for the ceiling fan? Clean the blades with an extendable duster or damp microfibre cloth. Do this weekly in warm months, less frequently in cooler ones.

3.

You're dusting wrong. “Using a traditional duster or cotton cloth is your first mistake, as these just spread the dust around and agitate it back into the air rather than pick it up,” said Nelson.

“Microfibre cloths do an amazing job of holding on to dust particles, and you can use (them) dry or damp.”

If you opt to use a damp cloth, you can use an all-purpose cleaner or plain old water.