We often use the words dust and dirt as if they mean the same thing — but they’re quite different in where they come from and how they behave.
Dust is made up of tiny, dry particles that float through the air and settle on surfaces. It can include bits of dead skin, fabric fibres, pollen, and even tiny specks of soil blown in from outside. That’s why your bookshelf or computer screen gathers a fine grey layer even if you haven’t touched it in weeks. Dust is usually light, dry, and easily wiped away.
Dirt, on the other hand, comes from the ground. It’s what you get on your shoes when you walk through a garden or playground. It contains soil, mud, and sometimes moisture. Dirt is heavier than dust and can leave marks or stains, especially when mixed with water.
Here’s an easy way to tell the difference: If it falls off your shoes, it’s dirt. If it lands on your fan blades, it’s dust.
Both may seem like messes — but knowing the difference can help you clean smarter.