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Dust: who cleans, when and how

Dust can carry allergens, micro-organisms and fungal spores. When neutrophils are low, cleaning matters, but it needs to be done the right way.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A hand wiping a white shelf with a damp cloth
Figure 1.Dust with a damp cloth

01Short answer

Dust is best removed with a damp microfibre cloth; a dry feather duster lifts dust into the air. Use a vacuum cleaner with a filter. If possible, someone other than the patient does the cleaning while the patient is in another room; air the room afterwards. Reduce clutter: open shelves, heavy curtains, rugs and lots of soft toys collect dust. If the patient cleans, they should wear a mask and gloves and wash their hands afterwards. Do not mix strong chemical cleaners.

02Simple explanation

A damp cloth.

A filtered vacuum.

Someone else cleans.

Less clutter.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia a clean environment and good hygiene help reduce infection risk.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Rugs

Rugs hold dust and mould; a small washable rug is better.

Chemicals

Mixing bleach and ammonia produces toxic gas.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
RugsRugs hold dust and mould; a small washable rug is better.
ChemicalsMixing bleach and ammonia produces toxic gas.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Microfibre
A fine-fibre cloth that traps dust.
Allergen
A substance that causes allergy.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Damp dust.
  • Someone else.
  • Air the room.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

How often?

At least weekly in the bedroom, and as needed.

Is a steam cleaner all right?

Yes, but dry well afterwards.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How often?

  2. Is a steam cleaner all right?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. NCCN Guidelines for Patients. Distress During Cancer Care
  6. Cancer Research UK. Mental health and cancer
  7. Lancet Oncology, 2011. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder in oncological, haematological, and palliative-care settings: a meta-analysis of 94 interview-based studies
  8. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2019. Distress Management, Version 3.2019, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Meditation and Relaxation for Your Mind and Body
  10. American Cancer Society. What Is Anxiety?
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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