What should be done to minimize dust levels before vacuuming?

To minimize dust levels before vacuuming, lightly misting the area with water is an effective technique. This process helps to weigh down dust particles, preventing them from becoming airborne while you are vacuuming. When dust is disturbed, it can easily float into the air, which you want to avoid for both health and cleanliness reasons. By dampening the area slightly, the dust adheres to surfaces better, making it less likely to resettle once vacuuming begins.

In contrast, using a broom may simply spread the dust around rather than containing it. Removing all furniture is not practical or necessary for effective cleaning, as it could increase the work involved without significantly improving the dust containment process. Vacuuming without prior preparation could allow dust to enter the air and settle elsewhere in the environment, defeating the purpose of cleaning. Thus, the method of misting the area with water stands out as the most effective strategy for minimizing airborne dust during vacuuming.