While an air purifier can make your room less dusty, there are several reasons why it is still not as clean as you want it to be.
One is that air purifiers can pull dust particles from the air but cannot tackle those that settle on your bed, floor, or furniture.
The culprit could also be the air purifier you’re using, the condition within your room, or perhaps your cleaning techniques and habits.
These factors only mean that air purifiers can handle the dust problem but cannot work alone.
You still need to find and fix dust sources in your room so less dust settles on surfaces.
Keep reading to learn other air purifier buying tips and cleaning strategies for a sparkling, dust-free room.
What to Look for When Buying Air Purifiers for Dust?
Some air purifier models do a better job of capturing dust particles in your room. Here’s a checklist of their best features:
- HEPA Filters: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are densely woven fibres that trap floating particles and remove them from the air. It can capture dust and other particulate as small as 0.3 microns.
- High CADR: Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is an industry-standard measure that indicates the volume of air an air purifying device can clean. For a dusty environment, the higher the CADR, the better.
- Multiple Fan Settings: Air purifiers need proper air circulation to capture as many particulates as possible. That means an air purifier with a good range of fan speeds and an oscillating action is best for a dusty room. Just remember that air purifiers at high fan settings can be noisy.
- Correct Room Capacity: An air purifier that is too small for your room size will not capture dust effectively. Similarly, a too-big air purifier is not energy efficient and can take up space. So, measure your room before buying, then choose a model based on its capacity.
Top Reasons Why Your Room Is Still Dusty
Despite getting a high-quality air purifier, a room can still be dusty due to several factors. The problem may not be your air purifier but the room itself.
So, check these problem areas, then apply the suggested solutions.
1. Carpets, rugs, pillows, or curtains that trap dust
Rooms at home are often full of textile décor and upholstered furniture. They make the room cozy, insulated, and soundproofed.
But these also attract and trap dust. The dust build-up increases if you have pets at home or walk inside with shoes on.
Solution: Lessen the dust magnets, like pillows, rugs, or stuffed toys, in the room. Then, regularly vacuum the carpet and hire professional cleaners once or twice a year, depending on foot traffic.
2. Window or duct leaks that let dust in
Gaps around the windows or worn-out air ducts allow outside air to enter your home. Dust particles can quickly build up without proper sealing, caulking, or replacement.
Solution: Check your window frames or ductwork and fix any holes or cracks. You can hire a professional technician to clean or check your HVAC system. Then, consider installing energy-efficient windows for better insulation and reduced drafts.
3. High humidity levels attract more dust particles
If you have a humidity monitoring system at home, check if the level is above 50%.
Researchers say maintaining an indoor humidity level of less than 51% can significantly reduce dust mites and allergens at home.
That’s because dust particles cling to moist surfaces due to static electricity. Aside from dust, a damp room environment causes mould growth.
Solution: Install a humidity monitoring device and keep indoor humidity within the optimal level (between 30% and 50%).
Best Practices and Habits to Make Your Room Less Dusty
Your room should now be less dusty with the right air purifier and environment. However, let’s make it better with these cleaning and hygiene tips:
- Clean from top to bottom to avoid stirring up airborne particles.
- Use a microfibre cloth for wiping surfaces or light fixtures to prevent dust from floating back into the air and resettling later.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture extra fine particles that usually adhere to couches, curtains, and other soft furnishings.
- Declutter your room to limit the surface area for dust to settle and collect.
- Groom and brush your pets outdoors to avoid fur and dander build-up.
- Occasionally clean hard-to-reach areas like fans, walls, windows, and baseboards.
- Keep your shoes outside or near the door to avoid bringing contaminants inside.
Final Thoughts
Air purifiers can help you tackle a dusty room. However, with so many potential dust sources at home, it is difficult for one appliance to capture all pollutants.
Without proper cleaning, dust particles will still accumulate over time.
So, make it a habit to wipe and clean up with the right tools and techniques.
It also helps to check the humidity level and remove potential dust magnets or generators in your room.
Then, choose an air purifier with the correct filter, CADR rating, room capacity, and fan settings for maximum effect.
Replicate these tips and suggestions in other parts of your home for a cleaner and fresher indoor space!
