Where did all this dust come from? If you’re like most folks, you’ve probably had that thought at one time or another – maybe while cleaning or just before you start in! It seems amazing that so much dust can gather in so short a time inside a protected environment like a house or office, but once you understand how dust forms and where it comes from, it’s actually pretty amazing that we don’t have more dust.

Outdoors, the atmosphere is filled with various kinds of dust, from windblown soil to pollutants. Ash from volcanoes, ocean salt, pollen and minute bits of decaying organic matter make up outdoor dust, which can circulate globally. The entire environment, from plants to animals, is constantly shedding dead cells. Industrial plants and vehicles add to particulate matter in the air, and seasonal fires add more ash.

Though the air in our homes appears clear and clean, unless you are using an air purifier or some other means of filtration, the air coming in from outside brings in a tremendous amount of dust. However, that’s just part of what makes up house dust.

It is estimated that humans lose 30,000 – 40,000 dead skin cells each and every minute. Furniture fabric, bedding, and clothes release fibers every time they are used or disturbed. Pets also contribute to house dust by shedding skin cells and hair. If your home is carpeted, there are even more fibers being released into the air.

Dust mites can be found nearly everywhere there is dust. They are particularly drawn to mattresses and pillows, where they feed on shed skin cells. Their fecal matter can trigger allergic reactions in some people, and this matter, along with dead dust mites, also adds to house dust.

While dusting and vacuuming can take care of dust that’s already settled, an air purifier can help filter atmospheric dust from the air. If allergies are a problem, be sure to vacuum up dust from underneath beds, around baseboards, and in hard-to-get areas where attachments might be necessary. Vacuum cleaners fitted with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters will keep the dust and mites from recirculating through the appliance.