How Alberta Dust Busters Keeps Calgary Homes Dust-Free (And Why You Should Too)

Living in Calgary and throughout southern Alberta means dealing with wind, soil, and seasonal dust getting inside your home. As “Dust Busters” in Alberta, we know firsthand what it takes to manage dust, allergens, and keep indoor air cleaner. Here are some behind-the-scenes tips, insights, and strategies we use (and recommend) to keep your space healthy, comfortable, and dust-free.

1. Seal the Weak Spots: Your Home’s “Dust Entry Gates”

Many people focus on surfaces - wiping, vacuuming - but forget to address how dust gets in. In our experience, the biggest gains come from closing off the entry points.

• Use weatherstripping and door sweeps on exterior doors and garage doors.

• Caulk or seal the gaps around window frames, especially older or aluminum windows.

• Check for and seal gaps around plumbing or utility penetrations (e.g. pipes, cables) that enter the home.

• Keep screens clean; dust accumulates on the screens then migrates inside with airflow.

By reducing dust infiltration, all your cleaning efforts become more effective.

2. The Top-to-Bottom, Left-to-Right Rule (But with a Dust Buster Twist)

The standard rule is “clean top down” - dust higher surfaces first so falling dust lands on lower ones, which you’ll clean later. We take that further:

• We always use damp microfiber cloths for dusting before going with dry cloths or vacuum. The moisture helps trap dust rather than just pushing it around.

• Use soft brushes or vacuum attachments on lampshades, vents, and crown molding - these are prime “dust magnets” in older Calgary homes.

• Move in sweeping motions that push dust outward, then vacuum inward, so you don't spread the dust across surfaces.

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3. HVAC, Filters & Airflow - Silent Dust Fighters

A lot of dust in homes comes from internal circulation - dust that’s re-introduced into the air via heating/ventilation systems. We take several steps to mitigate this:

• We recommend installing HEPA-grade filters (or high MERV ratings compatible with your HVAC system). These capture finer particles and prevent them from re-circulating.

• Clean or replace HVAC filters at least every 3 months - more often if you have pets, allergies, or high dust loads.

• If possible, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in rooms with high traffic or near entrances.

• Run the fan intermittently to promote air circulation and filtration rather than letting air stagnate.

  
  

4. Material Choices Matter - What Your Surfaces Are Made Of

Dust clings differently to various materials. Over time, choosing materials that discourage dust build-up can reduce cleaning workload.

• Hard surfaces (wood, tile, sealed concrete) are easier to keep dust-free than plush carpets or textured wallpaper.

• Use smooth, sealed cabinetry and furniture surfaces rather than heavily textured or open-weave materials.

• For area rugs or throw rugs, pick ones that are washable (or easy to clean) and vacuum under/around them frequently.

  
  

5. Consistency Over Intensity

Here’s a secret: A light weekly dusting and vacuuming routine is far more effective than an infrequent deep-clean blitz. Dust never really “goes away” - you’re always playing catch-up if you wait too long.

We schedule our regular clients so that high-touch and high-dust areas (entryways, hallways, living rooms) are cleaned weekly or biweekly, and deeper dusting (vents, baseboards, light fixtures) is done monthly or per visit. That steady rhythm keeps dust from accumulating to overwhelming levels.

6. Bonus Trick: Tack Mats & Floor Buffer Zones

One of our lesser-known but surprisingly effective tricks is using tack mats (sticky mats) or designated indoor entry mats at doorways (especially from the garage or backyard). These trap debris, dust, and grit before it enters the living zone.

Pair that with a “buffer zone” cleaning: sweep or vacuum the transition areas (foyer, mudroom) last so you’re capturing dust you may have dragged through the rest of the home.

Why These Matter for Calgarians (And Desert Wind Dust)

Because of Alberta’s dry climate, wind, and occasional dust storms (especially in spring), homes here can accumulate dust faster than in wetter, more humid climates. The extra dryness also means dust is lighter and more mobile. So, combining structural prevention (sealing, filters) with smart cleaning techniques gives residents real results.

At Alberta Dust Busters, we don’t just clean what you see - we optimize how your home resists dust over time. Because it’s not just about making your home sparkle in the moment - it’s about making upkeep easier tomorrow.