Asked on Mar 26, 2015

How to best remove fine dust from furniture and carpets

Sandra M
by Sandra M
I applied a very fine dust to my carpets and furniture to get rid of fleas. I vacuumed several times with a shop vac and a regular vacuum cleaner, which creates a major dust storm in my home each time. Will it ever go away???!!!! Please help, I am asthmatic and just have to find a way to fix my mistake! Thanks so much. (No fleas, tho!)
  11 answers
  • Slightly dampen a sponge and sweep over the area you wish to remove the fine dust from in the same direction.
  • ..I was going to suggest the same thing as Kala Professional Restoration. A damp LINT FREE sponge or cloth , to help the issue. I have mild adult asthma, so I understand..and had a flea issue last year, with the dog. I would recommend a thorough steam cleaning also, of your rugs or carpets if you have them. I steam cleaned everything, - upholstery wise...- with my carpet cleaner...and we had no fleas left . ..and no powder residue.
  • Dolores DeLuise Dolores DeLuise on Mar 27, 2015
    I also recommend steaming. You can buy a hand steamer for around $35 or rent a professional one. If you have allergies and hate dust, as I do, you might want to get a small steamer. From Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SI8YZC?psc=1 I have this one for $150 that works on everything: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MCMSW8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  • Molly Molly on Mar 27, 2015
    you can lightly sprinkle salt on carpet to get rid of fleas.. sewnmom
  • Kathy Ruth Kathy Ruth on Mar 27, 2015
    I use DE for fleas, too. You do not need to use a lot! I've always been able to vacuum it up with no problem (you don't want to remove ALL the dust, anyway! Just the excess. That way it is there if any more get into your home!)
    • Sandra M Sandra M on Mar 28, 2015
      @Kathy Ruth Hi Kathy, DE is exactly what used! I saw it suggested on another site and decided to try it. I am totally happy with it for getting rid of the fleas, and I do believe it has helped banish the doggy odors. I just went a little crazy and put way too much on the carpets and furniture. Thanks to the good suggestions from you guys, me and my fur babies are now again living in a flea free, almost dust free home! You guys are the best!
  • Cherie Cherie on Mar 28, 2015
    What kind of vacuum are you using? I also use DE indoors (as well as outdoor) and have never had a dust cloud with my vacuum. I have a bagless, so maybe the vacuum is your real problem. By the way, frequent vacuuming is the best way to get rid of fleas but you need to clean the vacuum afterwards. The flea eggs "wake up" when you run one (just like when you walk on a carpet - that awakens them!) so doing it often will help solve the problem. I have quite a few fur babies and they stay flea free this way!
  • Ceci Vargas Ceci Vargas on Mar 28, 2015
    What is DE to see if I get it in my country? Regards and thanks,
    • @Ceci Vargas ..." DE " is actually Diatomaceous earth.... it is a remarkable substance that is a desiccant – it actually dries out the waxy outer layer of fleas so they dehydrate and eventually die. As an added benefit, diatomaceous earth can eliminate other insects...it has a consistency similar to talcum powder and is available at most garden suppliers.:)
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Mar 29, 2015
    I buy bags for my shop vac that are meant to be used with fine dust - in my case, drywall dust, fine saw dust. Collects in the bag and doesn't go back into the air.
  • Patricia Swinford Patricia Swinford on Sep 23, 2015
    I just purchased a shark Rocket True pet vacumn from bed bath and beyond it is the best cleaner I have ever used and I have had high quality names ,but this one is the best. And if you get the sale book they have a 20% off the price. You think that there's not much dust under the bed you will be surprised Its also good for people with allergies
  • Bob Bob on Jul 19, 2017

    If dogs are the root of the problem, try this..1 cup apple cider vinagar,1 qt water,2-3 drops lavender oil spay it around ,and on dogs it won't hurt them.

  • Deb K Deb K on Oct 11, 2022

    Hi Sandra, hope this helps you out.

    1. Dust properly. Clean surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge. Anything dry just makes the dust fly into the air and settle where you just wiped
    2. Clean bed linens more often. Clean your sheets, pillows and pillow cases at least once every week in hot water.
    3. Vacuum regularly.
    4. Mop the floors.
    5. Keep dirt out.
    6. Maintain your home.
    7. Use HEPA air filters.
    8. Skip the clutter.