Give these neglected surfaces and materials a good wipe-down before the dust bunnies get too big.

One household chore you shouldn’t procrastinate for too long is dusting.

A few dust bunnies might seem harmless, but that powdery buildup can harbor some pretty gross stuff.

Exposed beam vaulted ceiling

Credit:Astrid Templier

Josh Mutlowis a senior design manager forDyson.

Astrid Templier

1.

Keep dust mites in check byregularly vacuuming your mattresson both sides.

bed with full wooden frame

Credit: Chad R. Mellon

Wash bedding,including pillowsandthrow blankets, in warm or hot water to help eliminate allergens.

(The water should be at least130F to effectively kill dust mites.)

Styling: Breanna Ghazali

3.

living room with types of mood lighting

Credit:Jacob Fox. Styling: Breanna Ghazali

Before cleaning, turn off the light fixture and wait until it’s completely cool.

Use a dryer sheet or dry microfiber cloth to wipe away dust on glass shades and bulbs.

There are several popular dusting tools that make light fixtures and other hard-to-reach areas easier to dust.

white built-in bookshelves close-up

Credit: Helen Norman

For hard-to-reach areas, use a cloth mop with a long handle.

Spray the cloth first with dusting spray for extra cleaning power.

Baseboards

6.

Laundry room dog nook

Credit:Jay Wilde

If possible, pull the shelving unit away from the wall and vacuum underneath, too.

Wipe shelves with a damp cloth and allow them to dry completely before restocking your belongings.

Formachine-washable curtains, follow the instructions on the care label and use the warmest water safe for the fabric.

fiddle leaf fig tree houseplants in modern farmhouse bedroom

Credit: Brie Williams

Jay Wilde

8.

Pet Beds

Just like our mattresses,pet bedsare a prime place for dust mites.

Launder any removable covers in hot water to kill dust mites and wash away dander.

Houseplants

Houseplants collect dust on their leaves that can block sunlight and impact their ability to photosynthesize.

Place small plants in the sink, and wash larger ones in the shower.

Let the plants drip-dry before returning them to their regular spots.

IC reads: Pelley, Janet.

“Dust, Unsettled.

“ACS Central Science, vol.

1, 2017, American Chemical Society, pp.

5-9, doi:10.1021/acscentsci.7b00006

“Dyson Global Dust Study.

“Dyson, 2021, pp.