Dust might seem harmless, but it's quietly wreaking havoc on your home environment. It builds up quickly, clings to everything, and affects the air you breathe. If you're wondering how to reduce dust in your home — and keep it away — this is the guide for you.
Why Is Dust a Problem?
Dust is made up of everything from dead skin cells to fabric fibres, pollen, pet dander, and even outdoor pollution. It collects on surfaces, in corners, and behind furniture — and when stirred up, it affects indoor air quality and can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
That’s why at Colt & Willow, we call dust Public Enemy Number One. The good news? You don’t need to spend every spare moment dusting. Here’s how to take control of it.
1. Improve Airflow to Reduce Dust.
The more stagnant the air, the more dust settles. Open your windows daily to refresh the air and improve circulation. It’s a simple habit that can significantly reduce indoor dust build-up and make your home feel lighter and fresher.
2. Use a Damp Microfibre Cloth for Effective Dusting.
Dry cloths and feather dusters tend to spread dust around. Instead, use a damp microfibre cloth to trap particles properly.
Even better add mist of our Geranium All Purpose Cleaner to the cloth , this helps lift the dust while leaving behind a gorgeous spa-like scent, no harsh chemicals in sight.
3. Dust Top to Bottom.
Always start from the highest surfaces - shelves, curtain rods, light fixtures and work your way down to skirting boards and floors. This method prevents you from re-contaminating freshly cleaned areas.
4. Vacuum with a HEPA Filter.
Standard vacuums can spit dust back into the air. A vacuum with a certified HEPA filter will trap dust, dander, and fine particles much more effectively - making a huge difference, especially if you have carpets or pets.
Looking for a great vacuum with a HEPA filter? We’ve linked a trusted guide here with expert-tested options across all budgets.
5. Clean the Dust Hotspots.
We all have them: behind radiators, under sofas, window sills, skirting boards, even the tops of wardrobes.
Schedule these in weekly or fortnightly to keep build-up at bay. Don’t forget plant leaves and lampshades - they’re often overlooked but collect a surprising amount of dust.
6. Wash Soft Furnishings Regularly.
Curtains, cushion covers, throws, pet beds - they all trap dust. Aim to wash or shake them out monthly.
This will dramatically reduce allergens and keep your space smelling and feeling fresh.
7. Minimise Clutter.
Less clutter means fewer surfaces for dust to settle. It doesn’t have to be minimalist - just curated.
A seasonal declutter gives your home more breathing room and makes weekly cleaning quicker and more enjoyable.
Our 5-day guide to how to declutter your home without the overwhelm breaks it decluttering down step by step.
8. Make Dusting a Ritual, Not a Chore.
Turn your dusting routine into a sensory ritual. Pop on a playlist.
Cleaning doesn’t have to be harsh - it can be grounding, calming, and even uplifting!
Final Thoughts: Your Healthier, Dust-Free Home
Dust may be inevitable, but with the right tools and a few mindful habits, you can keep it under control.
A fresh, beautifully-scented, and low-toxic home is possible — and we’re here to help you create it.
Ready to ditch the dust and elevate your cleaning ritual?
Shop our bestselling Geranium All Purpose Cleaner and transform the way your home smells and feels.
Dust FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
What’s the most effective way to dust a room?
Always start high and work your way down. Begin with shelves and light fixtures, then move to surfaces and finally the floors. This stops you from chasing dust in circles.
Use a damp microfibre cloth and a gentle, effective cleaner like our Geranium All Purpose — it lifts dust and leaves the air subtly scented.
Should I dust with a dry cloth or a damp one?
A damp cloth wins every time. Dry ones can just shift the dust around (or worse, scratch delicate surfaces). A microfibre cloth lightly misted with cleaner or warm water grabs the dust instead of spreading it.
How do I actually get rid of dust, not just move it?
Microfibre is your best friend — it traps rather than scatters. And for floors, rugs, and upholstery? A vacuum with a proper HEPA filter is a game changer. No fancy settings, just consistent suction and a filter that catches the fine stuff.
How do I make dusting feel less like a chore?
Turn it into a ritual. A quick spritz of something that smells beautiful. Your favourite playlist. A ten-minute reset before your evening unwind.
With the right tools, dusting doesn’t have to be a task — it can be a small act of care for your home.