Out of sight, out of mind. Even the tidiest housekeepers may forget to clean some of the dirtiest spots in their homes, simply because these areas aren’t always visible when cleaning. Even worse, many people don’t realize how dangerous neglecting those areas can be to the health of your family.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, “Dust mites are a common cause of asthma in children.” That report alone is reason enough to make sure you don’t have dust mites in your home. The following three essential cleaning tasks will go a long way to maintaining a high level of indoor air quality.
Clean Ceiling Fans and the Tops of Shelves and Cabinets
Ceiling fans, along with the tops of bookshelves and kitchen cabinets, are usually the largest culprits for harboring massive amounts of unnoticed grime. Your home can always be clean, but these spots often still go untended.
Photo via FlickrGranted, dust buildup takes time to accumulate, so these cleaning tasks can usually be set for about once a month. Remember to also pay close attention to ceiling fans. Give them a thorough cleaning so that they don’t blow dust around as it accumulates.
Replace the Air Filter on Your Central HVAC Unit
Dirty air filters can cause a blower motor to fail, resulting in expensive HVAC service and repairs. Stay vigilant about replacing your air filters regularly.
Did you know that the air filters in your HVAC system can help to protect you and your family from the following pollutants?
- Dirt
- Dust
- Pollen
- Pet Dander
- Mold
- Smoke
If everyone in your family starts to feel a little under par and you can’t figure out why or how to remedy the problem, your air filters may be too dirty to absorb all the elements which are damaging to your family’s health. Check the suggested replacement time and set a reminder on your calendar.
Change Your Bedding
Few families think of buying new pillows as long as their current ones are comfortable. How often does anyone go to the trouble of changing their mattresses anyway? Nonetheless, pillows and mattresses provide exactly the types of environments in which dust mites can thrive.
Fortunately, you can find an easier way than buying new bedding to prevent dust mites from taking hold in your home. WebMD.com suggests using covers made from a fabric with a tight weave for your mattresses and pillows.
Understand That Your Family’s Health Is at Stake
Enjoying a clean home is pleasant, but the feeling of satisfaction isn’t always enough. Making sure that you stay on top of the simple home-keeping tasks above is vital to the health of your family.
If you have children, older adult family members, or anyone with compromised immune systems, keep the indoor air quality in your home as high as possible. The easy and inexpensive steps presented above can help you to make your home safe and give all of your loved ones the ability to breathe better inside your home.
