How to Get Dust Out of Fabric

Remove dust from door mats, rugs and blankets by giving them a good shake and beating them against a post. This removes the thick top-layer dust, which is important to do before using more effective methods.

Vacuum carpet, rugs, doormats and the arms and back of the couch, to remove dust from the fabric. Use a mini-vac or a hose attachment to vacuum your couch cushions. Since couch cushions are thick, the vacuum alone does not remove deeply-embedded dust particles. The portability of mini-vacs allows them to work well for removing dust from the fabric in your car.

Wash all dusty washables in the washing machine, in water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This includes items such as clothes, sheets, pillow cases, bed dressings and curtains. Read the label for each item to ensure it's washing machine safe. Dry the fabric according to the directions on the label.

Dry-steam any dusty fabric. Dry steam machines are expensive, so it's more practical to rent than to own one. If you don't own a dry steam machine, rent one from a dry cleaner's shop or an appliance rental store. Dry steam machines do exactly what their name implies -- they steam without water. This method is ideal for your most delicate fabrics. Dry steam is also ideal for penetrating larger items, such as couch cushions.