Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World. That means dust. Whether you live in Golden Hills, near the World Equestrian Center, or anywhere in Marion County's horse country, you deal with more dust than most homes. Here's how to manage it.
Why Horse Country Homes Get Dustier
It's not just your imagination. Horse country dust is different:
- Sandy soil - Florida's sandy dirt becomes airborne easily
- Horse activity - Riding arenas, paddocks, and trails kick up dust
- Hay and bedding - These create fine particles that travel
- Open land - Less vegetation means more exposed dirt
- Truck traffic - Horse trailers on dirt roads stir things up
Stop Dust at the Door
The best dust control starts outside your home:
At Every Door
- • Use heavy-duty outdoor mats
- • Add an indoor mat too - double barrier
- • Create a "shoes off" policy
- • Keep a boot brush by barn doors
- • Shake out clothes before entering
Windows & Doors
- • Check window screens for holes
- • Install weatherstripping on doors
- • Keep windows closed on windy days
- • Use door sweeps on exterior doors
- • Consider storm doors for extra seal
Daily Dust Control Habits
Quick Daily Tasks
- Run a dry mop on hard floors - traps dust better than sweeping
- Wipe down kitchen counters and tables
- Shake out entry mats outside
- Run the vacuum in high-traffic areas
- Wipe bathroom surfaces
Control Dust in the Air
AC & Filters
- • Change AC filters monthly (not quarterly)
- • Use MERV 11 or higher filters
- • Clean vents every two weeks
- • Have ducts cleaned yearly
- • Consider adding a whole-house air filter
Air Purifiers
- • Place in bedrooms and living areas
- • Look for HEPA filters
- • Run continuously during dry seasons
- • Change filters as recommended
- • Size purifier to room size
Best Dusting Methods
How you dust matters. Wrong methods just move dust around:
- Use microfiber cloths - They trap dust instead of spreading it
- Dust from top to bottom - Let dust fall, then clean floors last
- Damp dust - Slightly wet cloths capture more particles
- Skip feather dusters - They just spread dust around
- Vacuum fabric surfaces - Don't just wipe furniture
- Clean ceiling fans monthly - They collect and spread dust
Focus Areas in Horse Country Homes
Entry & Mudroom
This room takes the biggest hit. Consider:
- • Hard floors instead of carpet
- • Bench with storage for dirty boots
- • Hooks for barn clothes
- • Daily sweeping or vacuuming
Living Areas
Keep dust from settling on furniture:
- • Choose leather or vinyl over fabric
- • Use washable slipcovers
- • Vacuum upholstery weekly
- • Keep blankets in storage when not in use
Bedrooms
Protect your sleep space:
- • Use dust-mite covers on mattresses and pillows
- • Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- • Keep bedroom doors closed during the day
- • Run an air purifier at night
Seasonal Dust Control
Dry Season (Nov-May)
Dust is worst during dry months:
- • Clean more frequently
- • Keep windows closed
- • Consider a humidifier
- • Water down outdoor areas
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct)
Less dust, but mud becomes an issue:
- • Focus on entry areas
- • Clean mats more often
- • Watch for tracked-in mud
- • Deep clean carpets in fall
Need Help With Horse Country Dust?
We understand the unique cleaning needs of equestrian properties in Ocala, Golden Hills, and the WEC area. Let us help keep your home clean.