One chore you shouldn’t put off for too long is cleaning. Some dust may seem harmless, but that powder buildup could be hiding something pretty gross. Dust is mostly made up of human skin cells, but can also contain dust mites and their feces, bacteria, mold, pet dander, and even viruses. When dust enters the air, these particles can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems.

Josh Mutlow, senior design manager at Dyson, says: “Few people think about dust in their home, usually just cleaning it up because it looks unsightly.” This means that dust can easily accumulate in unseen places or places that you don’t clean regularly, affecting the indoor air quality in your home.

10 Places You forgot to clean up

Dusting regularly is key to keeping your home healthy, but there are a few places you might forget to dust in the process of cleaning your house. For a clean, allergen-free space, watch out for these 10 places that are often overlooked because dust (and the bacteria that comes with it) tend to lurk there.

Astrid Templier

1. Ceiling

The textured surface of most ceilings is prone to accumulating dust and cobwebs, but most people don’t give this area much thought when cleaning. According to Dyson’s 2021 Global Dust study, which included more than 10,000 participants from 10 countries, ceilings are the place people are most likely to forget to clean, with nearly two-thirds of respondents saying they regularly skip this area in order to remove overhead dust, Mutlow recommends using a lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner and soft brush attachments for large areas. Use a slit tool in the corner.

2. Mattresses and bedding

Because dust mites feed on dead skin cells and thrive in dark, damp, and warm places, beds are essentially the ultimate breeding ground. Vacuum the sides of the mattress regularly to prevent dust mites from breeding. Plan to do this once a month, or if you’re allergic to dust, do it every time you change your sheets. Wash bedding, including pillows and blankets, in warm or hot water to help remove allergens. (Water needs to be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively kill dust mites.)

3. Lamps

“Dust can collect in lampshades and lighting that can burn on the hot bulbs or move around the room through the hot air created around the bulbs,” Matello said. Before cleaning, turn off the light fixture and wait for it to cool completely. Use a dry cloth or dry microfiber cloth to wipe dust from glass lampshades and bulbs. For fabric lampshades, use the soft brush of a vacuum cleaner to wipe dust off the surface. There are several popular dust removal tools that can make it easier to dust lamps and other hard-to-reach places.

4. Walls

Especially in damp places like bathrooms, dust can cause mold to grow. To clean the walls, vacuum with a soft brush or wipe with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth. For hard-to-reach areas, use a long-handled cloth mop. Spray the cloth first for extra cleaning power.

5. Floor lines

Because baseboards are close to the floor and often cannot be seen, they are the primary vacuum cleaner and are often not cleaned. To dust baseboards easily without having to bend over, run the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner on the surface. Then use dryer sheets to prevent the dust from gathering again.

6. On the shelf

Cleaning bookshelves requires removing all books, framed photos, and knickknacks, a chore that many people would rather avoid. But if your bookshelves are covered in dust, Matello notes, dust mites are likely already thriving in your collection. To remove allergens and buildup, use a brush to blot the shelves clean, starting at the top and working your way down. If possible, pull the shelving off the wall and vacuum under it. Wipe the shelves with a damp cloth and allow them to dry completely before returning the items.

7. Window treatment

In addition to dust, airborne pollutants, rubber particles and pollen can also blow in through Windows and get stuck on curtains and blinds, Matello said. Use a brush to remove buildup, or use old socks as rags for blinds. Place the sock over one hand, sprinkle it lightly, then slide it onto each slat to wipe off the dust. For machine washable curtains, follow the instructions on the care label and use the warmest water.

8. Pet bed

Just like our mattresses, pet beds are a prime breeding ground for dust mites. Clean any stains