Dust is made up of a combination of all kinds of tiny particles including sloughed-off skin cells, animal dander and hair, dust mites and their feces, decomposing bug parts, plant pollen, fabric fibers from furniture, carpet and clothing, tiny particles of wood, sheet rock, plaster, and paint. Most dust comes from within our homes either off us, our pets, our furnishings, and our homes themselves. Follow these 10 easy strategies to help control dust in your home:

1. Vacuuming twice a week preferably using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is the number one way to control dust in the home.

2. Dusting twice a week using a microfiber or electrostatic cloth to capture dust, will help tremendously.

3. Cutting down on fabrics in the home like carpets, furniture and even clothing that create and trap dust.

4. Washing bedding, clothing, rugs and other fabrics weekly will also help with dust accumulation.

5. Mopping floors twice a week collects and control dust in your home.

6. Grooming your pets regularly and wash their bedding weekly will help control dander and hair contributing to the dust problem.

7. Having people take off shoes at the door helps eliminate tracking in dirt (dust).

8. Clearing clutter from the home gives dust less places to hide and it also makes cleaning easier.

9. Reducing the storage of paper, magazines, and books in the home. They degrade over time causing dust particles.

10. Changing the air filter in your furnace or air handler every 1-3 months. This not only helps control dust in your home, but it also helps your system perform better, reducing energy cost and prolonging the life of your heating system.