4 Tips For Preventing Dust Buildup Under The Bed

When cleaning the house, there are certain nooks and crannies that can be forgotten for long periods. The back of the toilet, the hard-to-reach corners of the ceiling, the inside of your sofa, and the space under your bed are just some examples. Because these low-traffic areas are out of sight, you need to put more effort into ensuring they are as clean as the rest of your home.

Dust builds up under the bed quickly and in high amounts due to all the skin particles, hair, pet dander, and other types of dirt that gather in the bedroom. Keeping your home as dust-free as possible can reduce your exposure to contamination and prevent specific health issues, says YCS. The underside of your bed is an especially tricky area since you're directly exposed to whatever is hiding underneath the frame every time you lie down. Here are four tips to help prevent dust from building up in that space.

Do you know what a bed skirt is? It is the material between the mattress and the box spring, usually to cover underneath the bed. A bed skirt is a barrier to any dust or debris and prevents buildup. This accessory has been around for a long time but can still be a unique feature in your bedroom since it is useful and can be part of the décor. You can get a skirt that wraps around the bed while the mattress is still on or a velcro option that attaches to your bed's edges, via Mattressnut.

To put on a bed skirt, align it with the sides of the bed and check to see if it falls right to the floor with no gaps under it. Not touching the ground defeats the purpose, so ensure you pick the right skirt size for your bed or get one custom-made. Also, microfiber is an ideal material because it launders well and won't wrinkle, says Southshore Fine Linens. Non-slip pads and bed skirt pins are great for keeping them fixed. Molly Maid advises washing bed skirts every three to six months.

Having pets in bed is extremely common as it is an undeniable source of comfort and relaxation for pet owners. However, the hygienic aspect and possible health dangers have caused experts to warn against this practice. According to research referenced by Everyday Health, having pets in your bed exposes you to any diseases and allergens they carry.

Still, pet owners can manage their pets in ways that can reduce such exposure. Everyday Health advises you to take their cleanliness seriously. Keep their bodies and paws clean and brush them regularly to eliminate excess fur. You should also set rules around how they get into the bed. For example, have them in bed for a certain amount of time and make the under of the bed off limits. If you decide to keep your pets in your room or bed, take on the extra responsibility of washing your bedding and vacuuming frequently.

While it is common to shove things under the bed, especially when battling with space, a great way to prevent dust buildup is by keeping the area empty. It's hard to keep things sanitary when they are under a bed because it's unlikely that the site will be cleaned regularly. By not using that space as a storage unit, it will accumulate less dust, which means fewer respiratory illnesses and allergies as a result.

In addition, under-bed storage restricts the airflow necessary to keep a mattress fresh. According to Furnitureful, proper ventilation lets out the moisture that a mattress soaks up from the body and maintains its quality. Some alternatives for storage include the basement and garage. If you don't have any space, consider cleaning out your belongings so that you only have things you actively use instead of items that can be forgotten under the bed.

You can clean under your bed twice a month, but try cleaning every week or so to stay on top of things and ensure dust doesn't build up. Another benefit of adding it to your regular cleaning routine is that you will always have less to clean. Use a quality vacuum cleaner if you have a carpet or rug and a broom and dustpan for hardwood floors. After sweeping and vacuuming, you can finish the cleaning by using a mop in the case of hard flooring.

How you clean the underside of your bed will depend on various factors, such as the height of your bed and the kind of flooring in your bedroom. Gleem has some tips you can use if you have a low bed. Using a long duster, vacuum extension wand, or a blow dryer, you'll be able to bring out all the dust bunnies that would otherwise be hard to reach. If you have enough space in the bedroom, Sweet Vida Home suggests moving your bed to the side so you can see correctly as you clean.