Whether at home or the office, tiny particles surround us everywhere. Paper particles, dust, and textile fibers hang in the air and compromise rather than improve indoor air quality. Dust can encroach on our living and workplaces even when cleaning regularly – it is inevitable. It is caused by skin cells, pollen, and dirt entering from the outside. It can come in from walk-in traffic, open windows, or doorways, and even the HVAC system. In extreme situations, dust accumulation may contain toxic chemicals like those found in plastics and rubber.
These airborne irritants can cause health issues including allergies or other conditions which will irritate the respiratory tract lining.
How to Remove Dust from a Working Area?
The easiest way to eliminate dust is to use the proper tools and procedures when cleaning! Here are a few suggestions:
Dry dust with microfiber fabric. Dust particles will cling to the surface of the microfiber and avoid spreading the dust around. The conventional feather duster will only spread dust around the room from one surface to another.
Popularized by its use in cleaning products, microfiber has unparalleled softness, which has led to the rise of microfiber apparel and accessories. Microfiber is also exceptionally durable, and it is both absorbent and water-repellant. Due to its impressive electrostatic qualities, microfiber also excels as a filtration mechanism, leading to a recent surge of interest in using this fabric as a protective face mask material.
Microfiber is uniquely suited for cleaning. The original designers of this fabric combined polyester with polyamide to provide a synergy of durability and absorbency. Because microfiber cloths are made up of tiny fibers, when each fiber rubs together, they create a static-electric charge, which increases their ability to find and cling to dust. Therefore, rather than pushing or moving dirt from one surface to another, the microfiber cloth picks up the dust and removes it from the surface.
Due to the unique design of its fibers, microfiber cloth can pick up more dirt and grime than other types of cloth. Scientific research suggests that microfiber may even be useful for removing dangerous microbes and viruses from surfaces.
Reduce dust with a HEPA filter vacuum
Vacuum all floor surfaces with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum. HEPA filters trap the smallest particles by providing highly filtered pure air. The filter will remove 99.9% of particulates down to 0.3 microns. Because it captures small particles, mold, bacteria, and smoke particles, it is an irreplaceable tool for cleaning the office. Since HEPA filters require more powerful motors, they’ll consume more power and energy. HEPA filters are useful for those who suffer from respiratory problems and allergies. The HEPA filter needs to be checked, cleaned, and or replaced regularly, depending on the environment and conditions it is being used. Under normal use, change the HEPA filter every 6 months.
In addition to the HEPA filter, use a vacuum with an assortment of attachments to service areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. These can include a dust-brush attachment to remove dust from the ceiling and walls. A crevice tool is good for edges and corners. An upholstery tool will work for many types of furniture. Battery-powered vacuums work extremely well if outlets are limited and can save time. Battery life is the only downside in extremely large areas or multiple areas when the vacuum will need to operate for long periods. Backpack vacuums are generally more functional than uprights if the operator is physically able to carry the machine.
Other ways to reduce dust and ensure high indoor air quality
Use a portable indoor air purifier with X-part filtration system that vouches for catching both large and small particles, odors, dust, pollen, and even fur. A three-staged filtering system will also help to eliminate kitchen and restroom odors naturally. When choosing an air purifier, consider its clean air delivery rate (CADR). The higher the CADR, the faster it filters the air.
Change the HVAC filter on a regular schedule. In most office environments, the HVAC system works all year round to provide a comfortable indoor temperature. For this reason, it is important to change the filters regularly, at least two times per year. This will depend on the specific area the office is located and its actual use. The HVAC servicer would be the best source to advise on the recommended schedule. But often, they would recommend changing the filters before and after heavy use seasons. This would be summertime for warmer climates and wintertime for cooler climates. Regular changing of filters will also prevent excessive wear and tear on the units.
Check the air ducts of the HVAC system and clean them periodically. Periodic cleaning can help to improve indoor air quality if ductwork is dirty. This can happen over time even with regular changing of air filters. Ductwork can collect and distribute dust, debris, and mold throughout your space and into the air you breathe. Light maintenance can make a significant difference. Contact your local air duct cleaning experts to schedule a cleaning and to ensure all bacteria are removed from your entire ductwork system. If something goes wrong with the HVAC, ask a specialized professional team to make sure that the system circulates fresh air and provides the proper temperature.
Consider using live plants in the office. It’s a well-known fact that plants are natural lungs that constantly filter the air. Such a green cleaning will create a more comfortable and nicer atmosphere in the office and will eliminate contaminants in the air and improve its quality indoors.
Conclusion
We hope that this review and pieces of advice will come in handy to enhance the working conditions in your office and will help you to maintain pure and fresh air. Most steps are possible to perform on your own, but for a more thorough cleaning, consider calling a professional cleaning company to provide regular maintenance. Also consider a professional HVAC company or duct cleaning company to service HVAC units, replace filters, or check ventilation and duct systems. Find more information about improving indoor air quality in your office here Seven Office Space Cleaning Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality (squarefeat.com).
