Materials Needed and Preparation

You don’t need professional tools to collect an effective ERMI dust sample. In fact, you can gather everything you need from your local store or even from around the house.

Basic materials include:

  • Dry, unscented microfiber cloths (like Swiffer® dry sweeping cloths)
  • Powder-free disposable gloves to avoid sample contamination
  • Ziploc® sandwich bags (6.5” x 5.875” preferred) for sealing samples
  • Notebook or sample form to document date, location, and observations
  • Ladder or step stool (optional for reaching high areas)

Choose clean, unused supplies and handle everything with care to prevent introducing foreign particles or skin oils into your sample.


🧠 Pro Tip:

To avoid using a ladder or step stool, attach the microfiber cloth to a 3-foot Swiffer® 360 duster extension handle. Simply wedge the cloth between the fins of the extension head to reach ceiling fans, high moldings, or the tops of cabinets safely and easily. This also helps minimize disturbance to settled dust during sampling.