This Is How Often You Should Dust Your Home, According to Cleaning Experts

No matter how tidy you keep your home, dust is a given. It’s natural for dust to accumulate on surfaces around the home, and even though dust isn’t inherently harmful, it can trigger allergies and asthmas in addition to making your home feel dirtier (even after you’ve just cleaned it). It some cases, it can feel like your home is eternally dusty and impossible to ever get truly clean. However, maintaining a consistent cleaning and dusting routine can keep dust from accumulating and keep your home feeling more fresh. So, here’s how often you should dust your home, according to cleaning experts.

How Often Should You Dust?

Most experts agree that dusting your whole house once a week is the bare minimum. However, some homes may need even more frequent cleaning.

“Households with pets or those with allergies may benefit from more frequent dusting for better indoor air quality,” says Katie Dills, president of The Cleaning Authority.

If you need to dust more frequently but don’t have time to clean your entire house, prioritize high-traffic areas like your bedroom and living room. Save less-used spaces, like the guest bathroom, for when you have extra time. “For less-used rooms or areas that are harder to reach—like ceiling fans or the tops of cabinets—try to dust once a month,” Angelia York, vice president of Saint Louis Closet Co., says.

On the other hand, she warns there may be spots you’re overlooking. “Don’t forget to dust hidden areas, like behind or under furniture, and inside drawers,” York adds.

The Right Way to Dust

Dills suggests always dusting from top to bottom, since dust from high areas tends to fall to the floor. “Finish off every dusting routine with a quick vacuum to pick up any leftover debris,” she advises.

Having the right cleaning products is also a smart idea. “Always use a tool that captures dust rather than dispersing it into the air,” says Kayla Molina, global director of product development in textiles at Norwex. She recommends microfiber cloths or mittens, which don’t require additional chemical cleaners.

Dills also suggests using the brush attachment that likely came with your vacuum, explaining that it’s the quickest method for removing dust from baseboards.

What Happens If You Don’t Dust Frequently Enough?

While a slightly dirty home might not seem like a big deal, York warns that neglecting to dust can potentially lead to health problems. “If you don’t dust, your home will not only feel less fresh, but the air quality will also decline,” she explains. “Dust can trigger allergies and asthma, dull your furniture, and clog your vents. That’s why regular dusting is a simple but powerful way to protect both your investment and your health.”

How To Prevent Dust Overload

While you can’t prevent dust altogether, there are ways to reduce it. Dills recommends vacuuming regularly, changing your HVAC filter at least every three months, using doormats and rugs, and bathing your pets frequently.

Having a tidy, decluttered home can also help. “Investing in organized and easy-to-clean spaces—like custom closets with adjustable shelves, open surfaces, and built-in drawers—can make dusting quicker and more efficient,” Dills says. “The less clutter you have, the fewer places dust has to go.”