Top 6 Reasons Why Bathrooms Get So Dusty

A clean bathroom is a haven. Find out why yours cannot seem to get rid of its dust and how to solve the problem.

Dust in bathrooms is caused by tiny particles. The dust is deposited through open windows, dusty curtains, humidity, pet and clothes dander, HVAC filters, and incorrect cleaning techniques.

Finding a fresh layer of dust in your bathroom an hour after you cleaned it can be disheartening. Here’s how you can banish the dust for good.

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The 6 Main Reasons For Dust In Bathrooms

We feel your frustration. You nearly injured all your muscles and back to clean the entire bathroom. An hour later, instead of looking around at a clean room, you get the shock of your life. There is dust in some places - or everywhere. All your efforts have been in vain. Did somebody voodoo-curse you? Are you seeing things? Nope. Bathrooms are dust-magnets for several reasons and here are the top 5 culprits.

1. The open windows are letting in the dust.
2. The curtains are dusty.
3. Pet and clothes dander.
4. Poorly designed or dirty HVAC filters.
5. Incorrect dusting and cleaning techniques.
6. High humidity.

How Open Windows Makes The Dust Problem Worse

Unfortunately, most of us are raised with the notion that open windows in the home are a good thing. This is not entirely untrue. Fresh air and circulation are healthy for the entire family. However, open windows are a major factor when it comes to how dust and fine dirt enters the home. While windy days are considered the worst offenders, cars driving by can also kick up a dust plume which then deposits particles inside your house.

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How Do I Deal With Open Windows And Dust?

You have two options - close the windows or use some sort of dust-blocking technique with open windows.

Even when windows are closed, dust can often creep inside. This usually happens when the window has a flaw that allows a draft (and dust) to enter the bathroom. To fix this, the window needs to be caulked to seal the gap.

But what if you love open windows? You hate dust but you do not want to lose the fresh air, bird song, and looking out over the garden. There are several ways that you can keep the bathroom window open. There are many window screen products available at home depots and online stores that not only look beautiful but also blocks bugs and particles.

The Curtains Are Dusty

Another culprit to eyeball is the set of curtains in your bathroom. If they are dusty, then the wind or a draft can jostle them enough to sprinkle particles all over the floor and nearby surfaces. If the problem is particularly bad and your bathroom curtains seem to be a dust-magnet, consider removing them entirely. The bathroom is the one room in the home that does not need curtains.

You can also give the curtains a good shake-down outside to get rid of the dust. A handheld vacuum cleaner or steamer can also keep dust under control.

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Pet And Clothes Dander

We love our pets and even our wardrobe. But both shed hair, particles, dust, and dander. Pet owners know that their furry creatures (especially dogs) follow them into the bathroom. Some people even change or sort their dirty laundry in the bathroom, where there is usually a clothes hamper for when the family changes clothes. But even just visiting the bathroom, whether you are a cat or a person, can leave behind dust and hair.

How Do I Deal With Dusty Dander?

You will know that pets are the main source of unwelcome dust bunnies when their hairs are clear to see. You can drastically reduce this type of hair fall by regularly brushing your pet. Your cat or dog will also get some extra attention!

You can also move the laundry basket to another room and sort dirty clothes elsewhere. However, it might not be practical for you to do so and it’s totally okay to leave things as they are. A good sweeping and mopping can take care of the dust without you having to change everything about your laundry routine.

Poorly Designed Or Dirty HVAC Filters

A lot of homes have HVAC air filters. When they are in good working order, the appliances are excellent dust-busters. Your home is cleaner and there is noticeably less dust on the surfaces of furniture and floors. The opposite is true when the filters have a poor design or become too dirty themselves. Then they will actually increase the level of dust in the home.

Here are some tips to deal with the situation:

• Ensure that the filters stay clean.
• Avoid buying a cheap HVAC filter.
• Look for an appliance with a MERV rating of between 5 and 8.

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Incorrect Dusting And Cleaning Techniques

The first thing about dusting a bathroom is to remove everything from the room so that all the shelves, surfaces and floor are bare. Then, start with the top shelves and window sills. If you start with the floor and clean higher surfaces afterwards, you will only spread more dust on your clean floor!

Here are more tips to ensure that your bathroom stays dust-free.

• Never use a cleaner that has a sticky residue. Not only does it attract dust but it turns into grime that can be unsightly and a headache to remove.
• Make sure that your feather duster or dusting cloths are spanking clean.
• Use anti-dust cleaning products.
• Keep a regular dusting schedule. Waiting too long will create more dust and make your cleaning sessions last longer. Sad face.

High Humidity

When the air is humid and muggy, it can actually heighten the number of allergens and dust in the home. Bathrooms are hot spots for high humidity due to all the moisture (thing long steamy showers). The moist conditions attract dust and grime at a rapid clip. The good news is that high humidity is relatively easy to combat.

• After every hot shower, try to create air circulation in the room. Open the windows and door of the bathroom.
• Clean up any large water spills from the shower or basin as soon as possible.
• You can also add a dehumidifier to the bathroom to control the humidity levels.
• Use or install a bathroom extractor fan. These appliances are specifically designed to suck the moisture (and high humidity) from your bathroom. (Here are the best bathroom extractor fans).

Find out why your bathroom is cold and how to make the room toasty again.

A Quick Overview About Why Bathrooms Get Dusty

Dust in the bathroom can be caused by open windows, curtains, pets, HVAC filters, incorrect cleaning and humidity. None of these causes is impossible to deal with and a good cleaning routine and a few adjustments should bring your dust problem under control.

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