HEPA Vacuuming – The First Line of Defense

A true HEPA vacuum is designed to trap 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. This is your foundation—removing the bulk of dust and contamination from surfaces before you do anything else.

• Use a sealed HEPA vacuum (not a shop vac with a HEPA filter add-on).

• Attach a brush head and vacuum in three directions: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal.

• Wipe the brush head between items to avoid cross-contamination.

• Ideal for hard surfaces, books, leather, sealed wood, and pre-cleaning fabrics.

💡 Pro tip: Always wear your PPE—especially a P100 or N95 mask—during vacuuming, as this step may temporarily stir up particles.

Air Washing – Dislodge Particles from Crevices

Air washing helps remove particles from hard-to-reach spaces—like electronics, carved wood, keyboard keys, or textured surfaces. It’s a gentle blowing technique, not a high-pressure blast.

✅ When it works well:

• For non-porous or semi-porous items like plastic, finished wood, electronics, or light décor

• On items that cannot be wiped or immersed

⚠️ When to avoid:

• Thick porous items, like pillows, upholstered furniture, or unsealed wood

• Anything that can trap or absorb particles deeper under air pressure

Recommended tools:

• Hair dryer (with the heat turned off)

• Small rechargeable electronics blower

• Mini battery-powered leaf blower

• Air compressor with adjustable low-pressure nozzle

How to do it safely:

• Only use air washing outside or in a well-ventilated cleaning zone.

• Use short, controlled bursts—not continuous airflow.

• Direct the air away from your face and other items.

Air washing is especially useful before wiping or vacuuming delicate or detailed items.

Dry Dusting or Wiping – Capture Loose Debris

After vacuuming and air washing, dry dusting can help grab any remaining loose debris before damp wiping.

Choose your method:

• Swiffer dusters – Great for tight areas, grooves, blinds, and light fixtures

• Dry microfiber cloths – Ideal for broad surfaces like shelves, dressers, and windowsills

💡 Tip: Wipe in one direction to trap particles instead of redistributing them. Change clothes or Swiffer heads frequently to avoid smearing contamination.