Is Your Home Too Dusty? Here’s How Much Dust Is Normal, According to Experts

As far as cleaning goes, there are few things more frustrating than dealing with dust. It has a knack for accumulating on almost every surface, potentially triggering unpleasant symptoms like sneezing and coughing. Not to mention, it can be a serious eyesore! But if you feel like you’re constantly battling dust at home, you might wonder if it’s normal to have this much—or if there’s something you should be doing differently. To find out, we asked experts how to tell if your house is too dusty, plus ways to deal with it like a pro.

What Is Dust, Exactly?

This might gross you out, but it’s worth knowing what dust is before tackling it. “Dust is composed of various particles, including skin cells (from both humans and pets), hair, fibers, plant pollen, dust mites, dust mite feces, and other environmental materials,” explains Marla Mock, professional cleaner.

The exact composition of dust in your home depends on several factors, including where you live and the time of the year, says Chris Willat, professional cleaner. In the spring, for example, pollen levels are higher and more likely to enter the home, thereby increasing dust, Willat says. Similarly, if there are more animals or people in your home than usual, you’ll likely see more dust from pet dander and skin cells.

How Much Dust Is Normal?

Because dust is determined by so many factors, the “normal” amount can vary greatly by household. However, in the average home, you can expect to have light dust accumulation over the course of a week, according to Willat.

In contrast, dust is considered excessive “when a heavy layer forms, there is visible dust in the air, or you have persistent dust buildup even after regular cleaning practices,” Willat says. More specifically, “if it’s reappearing in a day or two, that could indicate a problem,” Mock adds.

Ways to Tell If Your Home Is Too Dusty

You can measure the dust in your home by using the “finger swipe test,” as recommended by Willat. Simply run your finger (or hand) across a solid smooth surface, such as a dresser or TV stand. “Look at the area in a couple of days, and if you notice a visible mark from where you wiped dust away, then you may have above average dust in your home,” Willat says.

Another option is the cloth test. “Place a white cloth or napkin in an undisturbed active area, like a windowsill or on your bookshelf,” Willat suggests. Let the cloth sit, untouched, for seven to 10 days. “If you see a noticeable amount of dust after this time, it may be time to update your air filtration system or the frequency in which you clean,” Willat says.

How to Reduce Dust

If you’re dealing with excessive dust (or hoping to avoid the problem to begin with), consider these expert tips for reducing dust in the home. 

Clean in the Right Order

“Always dust from top to bottom,” Willat says. This way, extra dust will fall on lower surfaces, which you can vacuum later.

Use Microfiber Cloths

Microfiber cloths work by grabbing and trapping dust, according to Mock. For best results, dampen the cloth slightly before dusting, she suggests.

Focus on High-Traffic Areas

“Rooms like hallways, kitchens, and playrooms should be vacuumed weekly due to consistent foot traffic,” Mock says.

Vacuum Carpets Often

A lot of dust can accumulate in carpet fibers, Willat notes. Therefore, it’s worth vacuuming carpets at least two (or better yet, three) times a week, he says.

Clean HVAC Filters Regularly

Keep your HVAC filter clean, and switch it out every 90 days, Willat suggests. This will allow your HVAC system to successfully do its job and improve air quality (along with dust levels) in your home.

Use an Air Purifier

Air purifiers help pull out impurities from the air, including dust, Willat says. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive.

Dust Overlooked Areas

Items like ceiling fans, bed frames, knick-knacks, and art can quickly gather dust but are commonly overlooked during cleaning. Clean these places every few weeks, if not every week, Willat says.