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While we would
all keep our homes and offices clean at all times, the
reality is somewhat different. That is why it is a good
idea to clean when you can. A great time to clean is at
the start of the spring season (especially if you are
having a
spring party). Neaclear (the maker of liquid
oxygen skin care products) has some excellent tips on how
to go about your cleaning.
Dust Mites
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House
dust is material that consists of a combination of many
particles such as dust mites and their byproducts, food
particles, human and animal dander (flakes of dead skin),
bits of plant particles, insect parts and waste, mold and
fungus, and bits of fabrics. A natural resting place
for airborne allergens and irritants is carpets. Carpets
make a wonderful home for dust mites who live off human
and animal dander. Carpets create several problems for
allergy sufferers. Not only do they harbor millions of
dust mites, the padding beneath the carpet can contain
irritant chemicals, and if the carpet is installed on
concrete slabs, dampness can collect underneath which is
conducive not only for dust mites, but for mold growth.
Vacuuming
the carpet regularly is important. There are products on
the market now that help kill dust mites and get rid of
their waste products.
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 The
highest concentration of dust mites is usually found in
bedrooms. To conquer the ever growing population of
dust mites, a few preventative measures should be
followed. First, box springs, mattresses and pillows
should be completely encased in allergen-impermeable
covers. All bedding should be washed in hot water to get
rid of mites, their byproducts, and human skin flakes, the
food source of the mites. The window coverings
in your home should be either shades or
washable curtains. They are less apt to collect dust.
Molds and Mildew
Molds
and mildew can be found in places that have high
humidity. Indoor humidity should be maintained
below 45% to reduce their growth. An
air conditioner or
dehumidifier should be used to reduce the
humidity in a home. The humidity can be measured
by using a
hygrometer. It is very important to filter the
indoor air to rid it of dust and mold spores. To
do this, be sure to clean or change the filters on
a regular basis so the allergens are not
re-circulated. An
electronic filter can be used to trap mold
spores.
The
central heat and air system in your home can
become contaminated and be a breeding ground for
molds, mildew, and other sources of contaminants.
Once contaminated, the system can then distribute
these enemy allergens throughout the home. It is
recommended that the ductwork be cleaned as well
because it is a big source of allergens.
To reduce mold
spores in the home, you must remember the sources outside
your home. Piles of leaves and mulch that are near the
house need to be moved. Also the trees and brush that
overhang your home need to be cut down or cut back.
Remember mold spores become air borne and can enter the
house easily.
There
are many sources of mold on the inside of your home.
Refrigerators, garbage cans, houseplants,
bathrooms, and basements are all possible sources of
mold growth. Look for leaky pipes, clogged drains, or bad
water drainage systems beneath the ground surrounding your
home.
Cleaning Supplies Can
Aggravate Allergies
Housecleaning
can be troublesome for many allergy sufferers. Those with
allergies can aggravate their already-existing symptoms by
cleaning the house. Sometimes the cleaning supplies
themselves can aggravate the allergy symptoms. To prevent
breathing allergens that become disturbed while cleaning,
wear a
face dust mask. If the cleaning supplies cause you
problems, there are alternative methods you can use.
- To clean ceramic tile, where mold and
mildew accumulate, use a combination of 1/4 cup baking
soda, 1/2 cup white vinegar, one gallon warm water, and
one cup ammonia.
- To polish furniture, combine one
teaspoon of
lemon juice with one pint mineral or vegetable oil.
For a spray, mix two teaspoons lemon oil and one pint
mineral oil.
- To clean the toilet bowl, combine
baking soda and vinegar, or use 1/2 cup chlorine bleach
by itself.
- To clean windows and mirrors, mix
three tablespoons ammonia, one tablespoon white vinegar,
and 3/4 cup water. Wipe glass dry with a newspaper.
- To remove and prohibit mold growth, a
weak bleach solution should be used on the affected
surfaces.
- To avoid manifestation of cockroaches
be sure to rid the house of newspapers, paper bags, and
food particles. The kitchen cabinets and drawers should
be emptied and washed out periodically.
- Hire professional services to
shampoo the carpets, and clean out air-conditioning
ducts, heating ducts and chimneys.
Now that
you have completed all the chores above, you will have a
much healthier place to live. Just keep in mind that if
you do these things on a regular basis, there will be no
need for "spring cleaning" next year.
Recommended:
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How to
decorate your bedroom using Feng Shui
Spring style
Spring
fashion
La Perla spring
collection
Spring and summer
skincare
Spring cleaning for
yuppies
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