How to clean your home after a dust storm

Why this dust is so much work

In Israel, dust storm days, when the sky turns yellowish with dust the wind carries in from the desert, come a few times a year, mostly in winter and spring, and in autumn too. The dust is extremely fine: it can get in through gaps even with the doors and windows shut, settles on every surface and collects in the tracks of sliding windows and in the blinds. Dry dusting just sends it back into the air, and a soaking wet cloth over a heavy layer makes a thin mud that smears instead of coming off.

Before you start

• Wait for the air to clear. Opening up the house while the dust is still in the air only brings more inside. Air quality alerts help you tell when it’s over.
• Keep doors and windows shut until then.
• Get what you need ready: microfiber cloths, a vacuum cleaner (ideally with a HEPA filter) and a bucket of clean water.

The cleaning order

1. Balcony. Remove the dust that has built up on the floor, ideally with a vacuum, and only then wash it. Clean the railing, the outdoor furniture and the plant pots too.
2. Blinds and windows. Dust the blinds (trisim) before washing the glass, or the blinds will dirty the glass you’ve just cleaned.
3. Tracks and screens. Sliding window tracks collect a lot of dust: vacuum them first, then wipe with a damp cloth. Insect screens can be brushed or washed, depending on the type.
4. Inside, from top to bottom. Light fittings, the tops of cabinets, shelves, furniture and electronics. Where the dust is thick, vacuum first; a thin layer comes off with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, depending on the surface.
5. Fabrics. Cushions, curtains and rugs hold the fine dust: vacuum them, shake them out outside or wash them, depending on the fabric.
6. The floor last. Vacuum thoroughly, including the corners and under the furniture, and only then mop.

What tends to get forgotten

• The air conditioner filter, which can get clogged after a dust storm. Before taking it out, switch the unit off and disconnect the power as the manual says; only wash a washable filter, and put it back once it’s completely dry.
• Door handles, light switches and thresholds, where dust settles and hands spread it around.
• Indoor plants, whose leaves end up coated in dust: a damp cloth does the job.

When to call for help

After a strong storm, sometimes the whole house needs cleaning again, glass included, and a high window or a hard-to-reach blind isn’t a job to rush. Hyper Clean does house cleaning, one-off or on a regular schedule, and window, glass and blind cleaning inside and out, tracks included; what’s covered depends on the property. The team brings the equipment and products. Send us your city, the size of your home and how many windows you have on WhatsApp, and you’ll get the quote before you book.