Words: Carlos Albir Jr

Dusting can seem like a never-ending chore—one you may be tempted to skip occasionally to make time for other tasks. However, keeping up with dust removal is essential for protecting the health of facility occupants and the reputation of your business.

Facility occupants, including clients, customers and employees, expect a clean environment. Visible dust can create a negative impression, potentially affecting business relationships as well as employee productivity and morale.

Beyond creating an unsightly environment, dust can harbour allergens, bacteria and other contaminants, which negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). Inhabitants of dusty facilities are more likely to suffer from asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions, according to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Fortunately, research published in the journal Epidemiology found that comprehensive cleaning reduces airborne dust in facilities, which in turn reduces nasal congestion among building inhabitants.

Start with proper training

Inadequately trained cleaning staff might overlook critical areas or use incorrect techniques, leading to inefficient dust removal. Ensure your training program covers the importance of removing dust, identifies high-dust areas and details appropriate methods to remove dust without dispersing it into the air. Schedule regular training sessions to keep your cleaning staff updated on best practices and innovations in dust control.

Train your employees to dust from the top of a room to the bottom. That way, they have a better chance of removing dust particles that fall at each level. Finish the task by dusting the floor with a high-quality mop that is effective in removing pesky lint.

Use the right tools

Since dusting effectiveness depends heavily on the tools used, invest in high-quality, sustainable mops and dusters. Consider mops that are launderable or those made from recycled materials, which make them an environmentally friendly option. Selecting mops that are third-party certified for sustainability through organisations such as Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) helps ensure dusting efficiency and reduces chemical use, contributing to a healthier environment.

Prioritise specific areas

Certain facility areas tend to accumulate more dust, such as entrances, hallways and other high-traffic areas. Don’t forget about high surfaces, like shelves, light fixtures and ceiling fans, which are easily overlooked but can contribute significantly to overall dust levels.

Dust can interfere with the functionality of electronic equipment and ventilation systems by clogging filters and causing overheating. Dust buildup on office furniture can lead to costly repairs. Regularly dusting electronic equipment and office furniture can prolong their lifespans, saving your facility money.

Adhere to Australian workplace health and safety standards for maintaining clean and functional electronics and ventilation systems, as outlined by Safe Work Australia.

Breathe freely

Training your cleaning staff to follow a regular dusting schedule, use the proper equipment, and pay special attention to high-priority areas ensures comprehensive dust control. Your dust-free facility will boost your organisation’s reputation and allow visitors to breathe deeply — free from the risk of allergies or asthma caused by poor IAQ.

What is dust, anyway?

As you vacuum and wipe dusty surfaces, you may be wondering what exactly is in your facility’s dust. The short answer is: a lot of things.

Dust is a mixture of microscopic particles of material. According to the National Geographic Society, dust can be made up of pollen, bacteria, smoke, ash, salt crystals from the ocean and small bits of dirt or rock, including sand. Dust can also contain tiny fragments of human and animal skin cells, pollution, and hair.

Another common component of dust is dust mite droppings and dust mite body fragments, according to the American Lung Association. Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that thrive in warm, humid settings and feed on dead skin cells or dander shed by people and animals. They often live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, and other fabric-covered items where skin cells and dander tend to accumulate.

People who are allergic to dust or dust mites have a bad reaction to inhaling proteins in dust that come from dust mite faeces, urine or decaying bodies. Any swelling of the nasal passages caused by dust mites is considered a dust allergy.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in the US recommends the following steps to reduce the number of dust mites in your facility:

• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels at or below fifty percent.
• Encase mattresses and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers.
• Replace wool or feathered bedding products with synthetic materials.
• In bedrooms, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with bare floors, and remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture, whenever possible.
• Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth, as it stirs up allergens.
• Use a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter in your vacuum.
• Wear a mask while vacuuming, and stay out of the vacuumed area for twenty minutes after vacuuming, to allow dust and allergens to settle.

For specific advice on managing dust and allergens in workplaces, refer to guidelines from the National Asthma Council Australia and use cleaning equipment compliant with Australian standards for HEPA filtration.

About the author:

Carlos Albir Jr. is director of operations at ABCO Cleaning Products, a leader in sustainable cleaning tools. ABCO is a family-owned, Certified Minority Business Enterprise with Green Seal certified products, headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Photo by Liliana Drew on Pexels