As autumn arrives, the northeast monsoon tends to be drier, and many people like to open windows for ventilation. However, outdoor dust and roadside fine particles are more likely to drift indoors with the wind. Additionally, when air conditioners or fans are running, the airflow circulates and stirs up old dust again, making many people feel like no matter how much they wipe, it's still dusty. The following three steps teach you how to effectively reduce dust, making your home cleaner and more comfortable.

1. Block External Dust First: Entryway and Window Areas

First, reduce the sources of dust entering the house.

1️⃣ Double doormats: Place a coarse-fiber shoe-wiping mat outside the door to remove mud, and add a dust-trapping mat inside the door to catch fine dust; remember to tap your shoe soles before entering the house. 2️⃣ Window dust prevention: Use cotton swabs with a vacuum cleaner to clean window tracks and screens, and replace weatherstripping as needed to reduce dust brought in by airflow. Note: Do not block the window track drainage holes to avoid water accumulation and leakage. 3️⃣ Ventilation strategy: When near roads or construction areas, reduce long-term window opening and use short-term cross-ventilation instead.

Two: Deep Clean Dust: 10–15 Minute Quick Clean (Top to Bottom, Vacuum First Then Wipe)

When dust has already entered the home, it should be handled quickly with a simple procedure. Preparation: Close windows and fans, and wear a mask.

• Start from high areas: Wipe down cabinet tops, door frames, light fixtures, and other high spots with a slightly damp microfiber cloth; avoid using feather dusters to prevent dust from spreading.
• Soft furnishings vacuuming: Use a narrow nozzle or anti-mite attachment to vacuum sofas, mattresses, and cushions; it's better if the vacuum has HEPA exhaust.
• Tabletops and appliances: First wipe with a slightly damp cloth, then finish with a dry cloth.
• Floor: Vacuum first, then mop; the mop should only be slightly damp to avoid leaving water marks in dry weather.
• Final ventilation: After cleaning, open windows for 5–10 minutes, or turn on a HEPA air purifier at low speed to help reduce secondary dust dispersal.

Three, Daily Cleaning

Keeping the equipment clean is an important part of continuous dust reduction.

• Air conditioner filter: Rinse with clean water monthly, and only reinstall after it is completely dry; if a musty smell or black spots persist for a long time, have a qualified technician perform a deep cleaning.
• Fan blades and mesh cover: Before cleaning, unplug the device, remove the mesh cover, and wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth; floor fans are particularly prone to dust accumulation and should be cleaned more frequently.
• Vacuum cleaner/air purifier filter: Clean or replace according to the recommended cycle. According to Consumer Council tests, the efficiency and filter replacement costs vary significantly among different models, so it is advisable to calculate filter replacement costs before purchasing.

By following the above steps, you can effectively reduce dust accumulation in autumn, improve indoor air quality, and create a healthier and more comfortable home environment.