Essential Tips for Managing Post-Storm Silt – It seems windier than usual lately, and for whatever reason, the high, constant wind in the Desert gives us multiple headaches from driving in it, not driving in it due to road closures, and all the dust in and out of the house! It’s maddening!
While we can’t control the wind and dust, here are some tips to help you manage indoor dust:
Stopping Dust from Filtering Getting In:
- Use door mats: Place heavy-duty doormats at every entrance to trap dust before it gets inside. Many doormats are pretty stylish so you can use them for your decor.
- Windows: Inspect windows and doors for gaps and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to block tiny dust particles.
- Fireplaces: Seal the damper when the fireplace is not in use to prevent dust from swirling in.
Cleaning Crusaders
- Vacuum: Aim to vacuum twice weekly, focusing on carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Consider a vacuum with a HEPA filter for extra dust-catching power.
- Keeping Your Floors from Feeling Gritty: Mop hard floors and tile regularly with a microfiber pad and dust furniture with a damp cloth to avoid spreading dust into the air.
- Ceiling Fans: Clean ceiling fans regularly with a microfiber duster to prevent dust from circulating.
- Air Filters: Change air filters in your HVAC system monthly during dust season and every quarter during average weather. Choose high-quality filters designed to capture small particles.
- Air Purifiers: Purchase an air purifier with a HEPA filter to defend against airborne dust. Place it in a central location for maximum effectiveness.
- Bathrooms: Keep bathroom vents clean and exhaust fans running to prevent moisture build-up, which attracts dust mites.
- Shoes Off: To avoid tracking dust throughout the house, leave shoes outside or in a designated entryway.
- Minimize Clutter: Less clutter means less surface area for collecting dust—store items in cabinets or closed containers.
- Vacuum Upholstery: Use the upholstery attachment to clean sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture regularly. You’ll also want to wash curtains, throw pillows, and other washable items to remove accumulating dust.
- Bedding: Wash your sheets and pillowcases in hot water weekly to combat dust when you sleep.
- Monsoon Maneuvers: Before the monsoon season, clean gutters and downspouts to prevent dust from being blown into your home by heavy rains.
- Window: This seems too obvious, but close windows during dust storms to minimize dust infiltration. Consider installing storm windows for extra protection.
- Garage Doors: Keep your garage door closed during quick trips to prevent dust from blowing in and spreading throughout the house.
It’s never fun to endure the wind and the dust, but never fear. Our beautiful weather will return, and all this will be a distant memory. We can all look forward to the upcoming heat of summer.