The reliable hot and sunny weather, the everlasting summer, and the clear sky of Arizona trick many people into believing that having a house there is a dream come true – or at least very close to it. However, with all the pros of living in a desert climate come all the cons. Dry air, dusty landscape, and powerful and long-lasting dust storms are inseparable parts of Arizona life.
Dust – everybody has it in their house, but nobody wants it. Thanks to its infamy, people came up with many ways to fight and control it. From keeping the windows closed to investing in robot vacuums and taking proper care of the air conditioners, there are plenty of methods that you too can incorporate into your cleaning and daily routine. Continue reading to find out more about efficient ways of keeping the dust out and weatherproofing your beautiful Arizona house!
Make Sure Everything’s Tight
Fine dust can make its way into your house through every tiny crack. That’s why you should take a closer look at your windows and front doors. You use them every day, so as the years go by, they wear off and can become draughty, letting in the air and dust particles.
In some cases replacing the plastic foam strips might do the trick. You should also ensure that everyone in your house remembers about closing windows after opening them for the night when the hot air cools off a little.
In addition to that, you should take a closer look at your garage doors. Did you know that, on average, you open them three to five times a day? You can’t avoid using them, but you can minimize the excessive dust that gets into your house in the process.
Garage doors have a typical lifespan of about 20 years. This, of course, can vary depending on whether they’re adequately maintained. If your garage doors start looking worn out or you use them as the main entrance, just like most homeowners in the US, you should consider investing in new ones.
The garage door brands that are available on the market come in various styles and designs to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.
Stop Dirt and Dust at the Doorstep
Keeping the dust from entering your house should start at the doorstep. Place sturdy mats inside and outside of every entrance so that people have something to wipe their shoes and feet in before entering. This practice will help to reduce the amount of dust that gets tracked inside.
Remember to shake the mats regularly so that they don’t accumulate dirt. Laying a damp cloth under the mats or next to them will add extra protection, as the wet material will absorb dust and serve as a quick way to clean off shoes and feet. You can use the cloth to wipe the paws of your pets after coming back from a walk or playing in the backyard, too!
You might also consider purchasing some house-only shoes and implementing a no-shoes-inside policy, as most dust enters your house on the bottom of people’s shoes. Changing your footwear after walking into a house is a great habit that is guaranteed to help control how much dust gets tracked into your house!
Get an Indoor Air Purifier
Running a completely dust-free household in a desert climate is not very probable. The dust gets inside through every crack, and sometimes it may seem like it’s just waiting at your doorstep to use every possible occasion to get inside.
That’s where air purifiers come into play! Their primary role is to suck in the airborne dust and prevent it from entering your house and accumulating on furniture and other surfaces. On top of that, air purifiers can help you get rid of foul odors, pollens, and allergens that are floating around. They prove especially useful during the dust storm season.
It might surprise you, but air purifiers also make for great white-noise machines, so why not let them keep your indoor air clean and simultaneously improve your sleep quality?
Maintain the Air Conditioning System
Surviving in the desert without an air conditioning system might be possible but not recommended for those who want to stay sane and avoid experiencing heat exhaustion.
Unfortunately, you can’t just install a brand new air conditioner and forget about it with the hopes that it takes care of everything on its own. That’s why it’s crucial to keep the AC unit in pristine condition. It will help reduce energy costs, as a well-maintained cooling system uses less electricity and can last longer.
Air filters collect the most dust particles, and they should be replaced every month. Additionally, air ducts require regular cleaning to get rid of the dirt that managed to get through. This should be done at least once a year.
You may also consider hiring a professional to do a check-up on your air conditioning system and get the air ducts tested to ensure that everything is working as it should.
Buy a Quality Vacuum
A solid vacuum cleaner is a must when it comes to fighting dust mites and keeping your floors in a tip-top shape. If you’re a busy person and don’t have enough time to run around your house with a vacuum daily, purchase a robot vacuum!
You can program it according to your needs, choose when it can start the cleaning, and when it should end, so it doesn’t bother you. Some models not only vacuum but also do the mopping and later self-clean at their docking station. Keeping your floors nice and shiny has never been so easy!
Conclusion
While dust is a part of every Arizona house, it doesn’t have to be an inseparable part of your household, as there are many different ways to control it. You can’t avoid dust altogether, but you can minimize its occurrence and reduce its impact.
To make sure that your home is free from the ever-present dust, you should implement the practices mentioned in this article! They’re simple and efficient, allowing your home to stay cleaner for longer!
