Dust is unfortunately a nuisance that continuously appears in our entryways and across our entire homes. Dust accumulates due to the flow of air when either too much dust-filled air enters your home or not enough air is spreading between rooms and the dust settles in one specific area.
Removing dust from your entryway comes as part of the process of removing dust from your home. Entryways are areas of high traffic where dust and dirt can build up in very little time from shoes, coats, and the clutter that can sometimes end up in our entryways.
Not only does dust create an unsightly and dirty appearance, but it can also be harmful to those with allergies or respiratory issues. Luckily, there are several easy tricks to effectively prevent dust from settling in your entryway.
How to prevent dust buildup in your entryway
Our experts have shared their top five recommendations to reduce, remove and prevent dust in your entryway.
1. Welcome mats and rugs
According to Fred McGill, a home improvement expert, a simple and effective way to prevent dust from entering your home through your entryway is by placing down a welcome mat or rug. ‘Durable welcome mats with rough textures that can trap and hold dirt and dust particles,’ he says. ‘Regularly shake, vacuum, or wash these mats to maintain their effectiveness.’
Welcome mats, with coarse textures, like this RugMast Dirt Trapper from Amazon, are excellent at capturing dust particles. Additionally, you should encourage family members and guests to wipe their feet thoroughly before entering your home or both your external and internal welcome mats. By placing two doormats outside and in the entry, you will be able to significantly reduce the amount of dust being tracked into your home, ultimately simplifying your cleaning routine.
Remember to clean your doormats regularly to prevent them from becoming sources of dust themselves. Rotate or flip them periodically to distribute wear evenly.
Fred McGill is a home improvement expert and Founder of the website Next Modern Home which specializes in creating unique and functional spaces for clients.
2. Shoe storage
Providing ample hallway shoe storage near the door is a great way to reduce dust in your entryway. This will help keep dirt and dust from being tracked into your entryway and the rest of your home.
Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes after wiping and before entering your home. This simple step significantly reduces the amount of debris and dust brought in from the outside. Providing a designated area for shoes near the entryway, like this shoe storage cabinet from Wayfair, can make this practice convenient and accessible.
3. Seal gaps and cracks
Dust often finds its way through gaps around doors and windows. To prevent this, inspect your entryway for any gaps or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Weather stripping door seals, like this one from Amazon, creates a proper seal that not only keeps dust out but also improves energy efficiency.
‘If space permits, consider adding an airlock or vestibule to your entryway,’ says cleaning expert Prerna Jain. ‘This creates an additional barrier between the outdoors and your home, reducing the dust that enters.’
Also, consider installing a double-door entry system if your entryway allows for it. This design creates an airlock effect, reducing the amount of dust that enters your home. You can also use heavy curtains or screens for a similar effect if double doors aren't an option as they release a stream of air to create a barrier between the indoors and outdoors. This can also help to draft-proof your entryway in the colder months.
Prerna Jain is the founder of Ministry Of Cleaning, a top-rated cleaning service with years of industry experience.
4. Proper ventilation
Ensure that your entryway has good ventilation. Proper airflow can help in reducing dust buildup as dust particles tend to settle more when the air is dry.
Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne dust particles and remove them from the air, as air purifiers also help to get rid of dust. This includes dust, pollen, and other allergens. We like this Morento air purifier from Amazon which can help remove 99.97% of dust particles.
In conjunction with using an air purifier, Parveen Garg, manager at Ola Clean, suggests trying using a humidifier. Using a humidifier, like this one from Amazon, in your entryway will help maintain an optimal indoor humidity level, typically around 40-50%, which can help prevent dust from becoming airborne.
Parveen Garg is a dedicated and experienced Manager in the cleaning business, specializing in leveraging my extensive knowledge of cleaning practices and products to ensure exceptional cleanliness solutions. With 4 years of experience, he possesses a deep understanding of the industry and excels at leading teams to deliver outstanding results.
5. Regular cleaning
Finally, establishing a routine for cleaning your entryway is a great way to prevent dust from building up, advises Hashi Mohamed, President of IvyCleans.
Dust and dirt can accumulate quickly, so a weekly sweep and mop, along with wiping down surfaces, will go a long way in maintaining a dust-free entryway. Don't forget to dust and clean any furniture or décor in the area paying close attention to the corners, baseboards, and underneath the furniture.
Hashi Mohamed is the President of Ivy Cleans, a premier cleaning and lifestyle solutions company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Specializing in cleaning, organizing, and promoting a holistic lifestyle, they are passionate about transforming spaces into clean, organized, and vibrant environments.
FAQs
Where is the best place to put an air purifier?
When placing an air purifier, you should ideally avoid positioning it in corners or by any large furniture items. This is because they may block the free flow of air. By removing obstructions or placing it in an area with abundant surround space, your air purifier will work the most effectively.
By implementing these methods, you can effectively prevent dust from entering your entryway and keep it looking clean and inviting. If you live in an area with high levels of outdoor dust, one way to prevent dust particles from entering your entryway is by keeping your windows and doors closed. This is especially important during windy days when dust particles can easily be blown inside.
Remember, regular maintenance is key in keeping dust at bay, so make sure to stay on top of these practices to ensure a dust-free entryway.
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