"Dusty Home? 10 Ways to Control Dust in Nairobi"

You wipe the table in the morning and by evening there is a thin film on it again. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Dust from roads and construction, along with the windy dry months, makes life hard for anyone trying to keep a clean home in Nairobi. Here are ten ways to fight back.

1. Stop it at the door

Place a coarse mat outside and a washable mat inside each entrance. Taking off your shoes indoors keeps out far more dust than you might expect.

2. Dust with a damp cloth

A dry duster just moves dust around. Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth, which picks it up. Work from the top of the room down.

3. Clean floors the right way

Sweeping can send fine dust into the air. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a good filter, use it. Otherwise, sweep gently and follow with a damp mop.

4. Manage your windows

Fresh air is important, but open windows bring dust in. Air rooms early in the morning or after rain, and keep road-facing windows closed on windy days and during nearby construction.

5. Seal the gaps

Check around doors and windows for gaps. Simple draught strips can help, especially in homes close to dirt roads.

6. Wash your curtains and bedding

Fabrics hold on to dust. Wash bedding weekly, and clean curtains once or twice a year. See our guide to curtain cleaning.

7. Reduce dust collectors

Open shelves full of ornaments collect dust. Use closed storage where you can, and keep surfaces clear so that they are easy to wipe.

8. Vacuum soft furnishings

Sofas, cushions and carpets are huge dust traps. Vacuum them weekly, and have them professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months.

9. Don't forget high places

Ceiling corners, fan blades, the tops of wardrobes and door frames all collect dust that eventually drifts downwards. Clean them every month.

10. Keep your compound clean

Dust often comes from just outside. Sweep paths and balconies regularly, and plant ground cover on bare soil if you have a compound.

When is it more than dust?

If you or your family have constant sneezing, coughing or itchy eyes, speak with a doctor, because other things may be involved. Keeping your home clean can help you feel more comfortable, but it is no substitute for medical advice.

Set a realistic routine

• Daily: quick sweep or damp mop of busy floors
• Weekly: dust surfaces, vacuum and wash bedding
• Monthly: clean ceiling corners and window tracks
• Twice a year: deep clean and carpet or sofa cleaning

Dust in new estates and near construction

If your neighbours are building, dust will be a fact of life for a while. Close windows on the side facing the site during working hours. Fit fine mesh on windows that you need to keep open. Keep a damp cloth near the door and wipe surfaces more often. Speak politely with the site manager if the dust is excessive, as many sites can reduce it by watering or covering materials.

Dust and home electronics

Dust builds up in TVs, routers and computer vents, where it can trap heat. Switch off devices and use a dry, soft cloth or a soft brush on vents. Keep cables tidy, since tangles of wires collect dust and are hard to clean. Fridge coils and the back of a TV are easy to forget, but they deserve a look every few months.

What about air purifiers?

An air purifier with a good filter can reduce fine dust in a bedroom, although it does not replace regular cleaning. If you buy one, choose a size that suits the room, and follow the instructions on replacing the filter. Reducing dust at its source is usually more effective and cheaper.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my house so dusty even after cleaning?

Common reasons include road dust, construction nearby, gaps around windows, fabrics that release fibres and dry sweeping that stirs dust into the air.

Is it better to dust or vacuum first?

Dust first, starting from high up, and vacuum or mop last. Dust falls as you clean, so the floor should come last.

Do indoor plants reduce dust?

Plants make a room feel fresher, but they do not remove much dust. Wipe their leaves now and then, as they collect dust too.

Does Nairobi dust stain carpets?

Red soil can stain light-coloured carpets, so regular vacuuming and professional cleaning are important.

If you would rather leave the dust to someone else, Macky Group offers house cleaning in Nairobi and Thika on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. Get a free quote.