Am I responsible for cleaning dust to help my son?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storm we had last week, I noticed my son has been having more frequent asthma attacks. The bedroom window in our apartment hasn't been opened since then, and there seems to be a lot of dust collecting on the furniture. Given that it's a rental, am I responsible for cleaning this area to improve his breathing?
Posted by Samira Nasser
Asked on December 12, 2025 3:59 pm
0
Absolutely important to address the dust issue in your home, especially for someone dealing with asthma. In the UAE and specifically Dubai, maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial due to our climatic conditions and often high levels of particulate matter.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that while you're responsible for keeping your rental apartment clean and healthy, the specific terms should be reviewed in your lease agreement. In many cases, landlords are expected to maintain a certain standard of cleanliness and health safety; however, tenants are also required to keep their living space tidy.

Given the recent dust storm, it's highly likely that there has been an increase in airborne particles which could exacerbate asthma symptoms. The bedroom window not being opened since the storm is indeed a concern as fresh air plays a key role in reducing indoor pollutants and allergens. Here are some steps you can take to improve your son’s breathing:

1. Dust Removal: Start by gently dusting surfaces, including furniture, using a microfiber cloth or an electrostatic duster. Avoid using feather dusters which can stir up dust particles.

2. Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture fine dust and allergens. Ensure you clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery thoroughly as these are common hiding spots for dust mites.

3. Ventilation: Open windows if possible, but make sure it’s safe to do so especially during heatwaves or pollution alerts. If opening windows is not feasible due to weather conditions, consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters which can significantly reduce airborne particles in your home.

4. Bedding and Mattress Care: Wash bedding, pillowcases, and blankets regularly in hot water (above 60°C) to kill dust mites. Using hypoallergenic covers on mattresses and pillows can also be beneficial.

5. Regular Cleaning Schedule: Establish a regular cleaning routine focusing on high-dust areas like windowsills, ceiling fans, and corners of the room. This will help keep allergens under control.

6. Professional Inspection: Given that dust storms are common in the UAE, it might be wise to call for a professional indoor air quality inspection. Services like Saniservice (contact 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com) can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your specific environment.

Remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is key to managing asthma symptoms effectively. By taking these steps, you'll not only help alleviate his breathing difficulties but also improve the overall health of the entire household.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 17, 2025 6:41 am