to banish dust from your home. You will need A mattress and pillow covers A vacuum cleaner

A damp mop Product to spray rags for dusting HEPA air filter for furnace A portable HEPA

filter unit Wood, vinyl, or tile flooring (optional) Shades or blinds (optional) A HEPA

filter for your vacuum (optional) and an old tennis racket (optional). Step 1. Understand

that dust comes from the tiny flakes of skin we constantly shed, fibers shed by fabrics,

insect parts, pet dander, hair, pollen grains and mold spores, and dust mites. Step 2. Learn

the places where dust hides, such as deep inside carpet, drapery, upholstered furniture,

mattresses, and on hard surfaces, including all of those knick-knacks decorating your

home. If you can, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with wood, vinyl, or tile, and drapes with

shades or blinds that are easier to keep free of dust. Step 3. Enclose your mattresses and

pillows in zippered, dust-proof covers. If you don't like plastic or vinyl, look for

fabric, allergen-impermeable covers. Step 4. Vacuum the carpeting and upholstered furniture

frequently. Damp mop floor and walls. Attaching a HEPA filter, available at some vacuum stores

and allergy supply companies, to your vacuum cleaner will prevent some of that dust from

circulating back into the air. Step 5. Take your area rugs and cushions outside to shake

them vigorously or beat them every week. Some people like to use an old tennis racket. Step

6. Don't just move the dust around using feather dusters or dry rags – capture it! Use damp

rags or spray your rags with a product that will hold the dust. Step 7. Wash sheets and

blankets in hot water every week. Cold water leaves up to ten percent of dust mites behind.

Dry cleaning also kills mites. Step 8. Install a HEPA air filter on your furnace or purchase

a central air filtration unit, if you have forced-air heating and cooling. A portable

HEPA filter unit may also help remove dust from the air. Did you know Did you know? A

typical used mattress can have up to 10 million dust mites inside.