Can House Cleaning Keep You From Getting Sick?

A lot of people complain that house cleaning makes them sick. Nine times out of ten, it is just their way of saying they would rather go fishing. In all fairness, however, having a dusty home can contribute to making you and your family sick. Many people have at least a weak allergy to dust and the components within, meaning keeping the home tidy and dust-free can be an important aspect of keeping your family healthy.

Dust is not the only health danger lurking in the home. Regular house cleaning can keep mold from growing. Black mold can be toxic and cause serious health problems. The main way to keep mold away is to keep moisture from accumulating in the home. That means finding and plugging up any leaks. If you find mold when you are scrubbing the walls, get rid of it right away. One of the best solutions for mold is water with about 5% bleach. Make sure and wear a dust mask when scrubbing it away for protection against both the mold and the fumes from the bleach. It is better to do any bleach-based cleaning in a well ventilated room.

There is very little you can do to keep dust out of your home entirely. The only house cleaning trick that is successful is vigilance. Dust is made from pollen, pet dander, mites, and the skin of insects. These are what contribute to allergens in the air. If there is a surface in your home, you can be certain that dust is accumulating on them. It is usually a good idea to keep the home closed up during the spring, when high pollen levels are usually in the air. Make sure and dust frequently and wash all bedding at least once a week.

Regular vacuuming is a great way to keep dust and dirt from accumulating and making allergies kick up. Get a vacuum that uses high efficiency particulate air filters for the best results. Don not stop vacuuming when you are done with the carpets. Take the attachments and run them over the upholstery, where invisible dust tends to collect and go unnoticed.

If you are having a tough time keeping up with regular house cleaning, you might benefit from hiring a service to do the work for you. You can usually hire a service to come in once a week for much less money than you might think. The household chores will be done and you can relax and enjoy your dust-free home.