The Dustiest Room In Your Home Probably Isn't What You'd Think

It's easy to assume that the dustiest places in your home are ones that are rarely trafficked, such as the basement storage room or attic. While these spaces do gather their fair share of dust, the dustiest room of all is likely actually one that you visit several times a day: the bathroom. The bathroom is one of those places in your home you may be forgetting to dust, and with everything that happens in a bathroom each day, debris accumulation is to be expected. 

There are all kinds of hidden sources of dust in your bathroom. To begin, in humid and poorly-ventilated environments, dust particles are more likely to stick to surfaces. These particles can also come from a variety of sources, such as towels (particularly the cheaply-made ones with low quality fabrics), bath mats, toilet paper lint, skin cells, window coverings, hair, and dust that gets swept in from other rooms. Other culprits are dusty or clogged air vents, which will consistently contribute to dust in this space.

Even if you're in the habit of cleaning regularly, the presence of dust can make your home appear dirty. Plus, there are all kinds of hidden hazards of built-up dust in your home. Dust may contain bacteria, soot, mold spores, and more, which could cause respiratory issues, itchy eyes, congestion, and even insomnia. It's important to stay on top of the dust buildup in your bathroom to ensure that the air in your home is safe for both you and your loved ones. Thankfully, there are several effective ways to bust the dust in this room and keep it away for good.

First and foremost, a well-ventilated bathroom will play a big part in keeping dust at bay. If you have an older home, updating the HVAC system can cost thousands of dollars. Though it is a worthwhile investment that could reduce energy costs, it may not be feasible for everyone. Instead, consider installing an extractor fan, ceiling fan, air purifier, or dehumidifier in your bathroom. Even opening the windows, keeping doors open, and running a portable fan after showering can help. However, close the windows and doors when the bathroom is not in use to prevent unnecessary dust from entering in from outside environments.

Keeping your bathroom clutter-free is another way to eliminate dust. Store your products in closed cabinets and drawers. This will reduce the available surfaces for the dust to settle on, making it easier to clean your bathroom effectively. Most importantly, it is essential to deep clean your bathroom on a regular basis. Begin by removing all of the items from countertops and floors, then tackle every surface with a microfiber dusting cloth. Don't forget the mirrors, windowsill, baseboards, curtains, and around the toilet. Sweep the floor and shake out the bathmat, remembering to wash it regularly. Wait until after you've done these steps to sweep or vacuum the floor, as dust particles often float to the ground during cleaning. Once the bathroom is well-dusted, finish the job by scouring the surfaces and fixtures with an all-purpose cleaner. Generally, it's best to deep clean the bathroom once monthly and perform a quicker dusting and cleaning once a week.