House Cleaning 101 – Three of the Most Unsuspecting Cleaning Methods that Contribute to Allergies and Asthma
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
No one suspects that by cleaning their homes they can actually cause the very problems they are trying to avoid: allergies and asthma. However, there are certain cleaning methods that can aggravate these health issues and cause serious problems for individuals who have asthma and allergy symptoms. Cleaning a home on a regular basis can cut down on pet hair, pet dander, dust and dust mites, pollen, mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria. However, if done improperly, these harmful substances can be kicked up into the air where they will be breathed in and cause severe health problems. Here are some basic cleaning tips for how to clean a home the right way.
1. Purify the air with a Whole-Home Air Purifier with a top-of-the-line filter. These systems are hooked into the home’s central air ducts so that every inch of the home is cleaned.
a. The system intakes the existing air from the house and passes it through an Aprilaire filter where it traps and holds airborne dust, dander, bacteria, pollen and mold spores. Freshly-cleaned air is then released into the home out of the air ducts. This simple addition to the home can be one of the best sources of thoroughly cleaning it.
b. Allergists recommend these types of systems (such as those with Aprilaire filters) for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma because it can make a huge difference in the person’s quality of life by lessening the severity of their condition.
2. Vacuum with a Hepa filter-equipped vacuum cleaner. A vacuum that has a bag or canister without a Hepa filter can actually contaminants into the air where it is immediately breathed in. Though it may be a small investment, it is one that will contribute toward a healthier home.
a. Asthma and allergy episodes will lessen in frequency once a Hepa filter-equipped vacuum is used. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing the filter or cleaning it at regular intervals to avoid blockage of the filter. Once the filter becomes blocked, the vacuum is no longer filtering out the harmful substances before exhausting the air back into the room.
b. Dust furniture (even sofas) with the vacuum and hose attachment instead of using a feather duster, as the vacuum traps the dust and keeps it from being released back into the air.
3. Have carpets steam cleaned or dry-chemical cleaned regularly. The typical recommendation is to have carpets cleaned twice yearly.
a. Steam cleaning is a method whereby super-heated water and steam are injected into the carpet fibers where they attract the dirt and bacteria, food and drink residue, and pet hair and dander from the flooring. The steam is hot enough to kill the bacteria and mold or mildew spores as well as remove odor-causing bacteria.
b. Don’t forget that rugs are also sources of contamination in the home and should be regularly cleaned as well, though depending upon traffic, may be cleaned less often than carpets. Be sure to allow the carpets to dry thoroughly before replacing furniture and rugs.
With these 3 simple tips, asthma and allergy symptoms can be lessened and a better quality of life can be achieved. By taking special precautions during the cleaning process (including the use of an Aprilaire filter and air purifying system), the home can be made into a truly clean place to live, not a place where contaminants are simply being thrown into the air and breathed in.
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