How To Clean Dust in Sims 4: Maintaining a Tidy Virtual Environment

Introduction

Keeping your Sims’ homes clean and tidy can be a challenge, especially with the addition of the Bust The Dust kit that introduces dust and dirt accumulation. Allowing dust and grime to build up can negatively impact your Sims’ moods and even cause fires. Fortunately, with some diligent cleaning habits using the new vacuum cleaners, you can keep your Sims’ homes neat and orderly. This article will provide tips and strategies for effectively cleaning dust in The Sims 4.

Acquiring A Vacuum Cleaner

The key to cleaning dust in The Sims 4 is acquiring a vacuum cleaner. There are two options:

  • Upright Vacuum ($340-$950) – Available in Build Mode > Electronics. More expensive models have higher cleaning effectiveness and self-charging capabilities.
  • Handheld Vacuum ($250) – Smaller vacuum for cleaning surfaces. Can be used by children. Also available in Build Mode > Electronics.

Purchase the best vacuum you can afford. Self-charging models allow you to clean autonomously.

Cleaning Dust

Once you have a vacuum cleaner, cleaning dust is straightforward:

  • Select the Vacuum In Your Sim’s Inventory – Choose “Clean” on any dusty surface.
  • Click Floors and Choose “Vacuum” – Entire floors can be vacuumed this way.
  • Set Floor Cleaning Responsibility – Direct your Sim or Butler to vacuum specific rooms.

Cleanliness Stages

The dust system introduces cleanliness stages for rooms:

  • Sparkling – No visible dust.
  • Clean – Minimal dust visible.
  • Dirty – Noticeable dust and lower moods. Vacuum promptly.
  • Filthy – Excessive dust, dust bunnies, and negative moodlets. Vacuum immediately!

Allowing rooms to reach the “Filthy” stage can cause fires and serious consequences. Stay on top of your cleaning to keep your home “Clean” or “Sparkling.”

Tips For Cleaning Dust

Here are some tips to effectively clean dust in The Sims 4:

  • Buy Multiple Vacuums – Assign vacuums in different rooms so your Sims spend less time traveling to clean.
  • Take Advantage Of Butlers – If you have the Vintage Glamour Stuff pack, gift an upgraded vacuum to your Butler so they autonomously clean.
  • Install Air Filters – The City Living expansion’s air filters will slow dust accumulation.
  • Hire A Housekeeper – Housekeepers will autonomously clean dust if you assign cleaning responsibilities.

Children Can Help

Allowing children to clean with the handheld vacuum provides skill building opportunities if you have the Parenthood game pack installed.

Off-The-Grid Cleaning

Sims living off-the-grid can clean dust by:

  1. Installing the Eco Lifestyle expansion pack.
  2. Building wind turbines and solar panels.
  3. Placing them optimally to generate power.
  4. Using the handheld vacuum which doesn’t require electricity.

Conclusion

With some diligent vacuuming, upgrading cleaning tools when possible, and taking advantage of helpers like Butlers and Housekeepers, you can keep your Sims’ homes tidy and free of dust. Allowing dust to accumulate results in lower Sim moods and risks fires, so be proactive. A clean, dust-free home in The Sims 4 provides a happier and healthier environment for your Sims to thrive.