If you’ve been wondering why you always contract coughs and colds or have allergic reactions frequently, the culprit for those could be lying somewhere in your house. Ask yourself when did you last clean it. If you haven’t done it in a while, then there’s a huge likelihood that you got the germs from your home’s dirt.
If not the dirt, your household items such as your bedding and tools could also be making you sick. In addition, the exteriors of your house which you haven’t been paying attention to could already be harboring dangerous bacteria. The gutters are a good example. You don’t see all the time, so you don’t notice all the debris that could be stuck in there.
If not removed, dirt, mold, and mildew may get into your house, so it’s important to call for professional gutter cleaning in Ogden or in the area of your residence from time to time.
That said, here’s everything in your house that can make you sick:
1. Molds and Mildew
Molds and mildew thrive in humid and damp areas. They’re harmful to your respiratory health and they could aggravate the symptoms of any existing respiratory illness. You can usually spot mold and mildew on your heating and cooling vents, laundry room, bathrooms, kitchen, and basements. Other surfaces of your home can also grow mold and mildew, especially if you live in an area with warm and humid climates.
This harmful particle can be removed using bleach, household cleaners, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda. If a surface in your home has already been covered with at least 10 square feet of mold, professional cleaning would be needed.
2. Books and Papers
Books and papers can also grow mold when they get damp. They also accumulate thick layers of dust when untouched for a long time. If mold has grown on them, allow it to air dry first before getting rid of the mold. Placing them in a sealed container with silica gel or other moisture-absorbent material would also help dry them out. Remove the mold using a paintbrush or cloth.
3. Pet Fur
Shed pet fur and dander can cause sneezing. The best way to avoid getting sick from them is to restrict our pets from lying down or sitting on our furniture as much as possible. If it isn’t a choice, dust or vacuum the furniture they use daily.
4. Dust, Pollen, and Other Allergens
If you own a vacuum cleaner, dust, pollen, bacteria, and other allergens can get released into the air as you use it. To prevent this from happening, clean your vacuum regularly, especially if you use it often. Vacuum cleaner models equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter can also help because they don’t release hazardous particles. If you want to maximize the cleanliness in the air, you can invest in an air purifier that filters out any allergens and impurities in the air.
5. Bedding and Other Fabrics
Humans also shed dead skin, which we leave on our bedding and pillows. Dust mites that feed on our skin can also linger on our beds, couches, and other furniture, so we should wash the sheets regularly.
6. Remote Controls and Other Handheld Devices
Remote controls, smartphones, and other items that we hold daily accumulate bacteria and viruses that can make diseases spread. Clean them every day using a disinfectant wipe.
7. Chemical Substances
Pesticides, paint, cleaning agents, solvents, and automotive products can be dangerous to our skin and respiratory system. Carbon monoxide poisoning may happen if automotive products are mishandled. To minimize the risk of getting sick from these substances, use them in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as face masks and gloves. Never leave these products without their caps or lids, too.
Our hectic lifestyle shouldn’t be an excuse to neglect our hygiene and health. Now that we know the things inside our homes that can make us sick, let’s start taking care of ourselves better by cleaning regularly and handling chemical substances properly.