Is your indoor Air Dirty?

Is your indoor Air Dirty?

Why should our cleaning routines only focus on visible areas? What about the air we take in and the water we consume? Are we aware if our interior air is polluted? We’re well aware that a dirty kitchen counter has implications for our health. The same applies to allergens in the air and contaminated water. It’s essential for household systems to undergo periodic inspections to stay in optimal condition and benefit from routine cleanings by professionals. Understanding how to minimize pet dander, eradicate mold, clear drains, and maintain our heating and cooling systems effectively will not only result in fewer health issues, but also impact our wallets positively.

popcorn ceilingStudies on indoor Air pollution..

Studies have shown that air in our homes can be even more polluted than the outdoor air in major cities. Indoor air pollutants can include tobacco smoke, vapors from household products and building materials, various biological pollutants. This is why your indoor air is dirty.  Some of the pollutants are bacteria, fungi, molds, viruses, pet dander, dust mites, carbon monoxide and radon. Additional pollutants can be generated often by everyday activities such as cooking with gas, dusting, and using spray disinfectants, cleaners and repellents. These activities all add particulate matter to the air, which can create health problems for many individuals.

The air in your home should be continually exchanged with fresh air. This is tricky with newer more energy efficient homes, which not only keep out heat and cold, but also do not breathe like older homes that are not sealed as tightly. Ensuring proper ventilation is a good start in cleaning indoor air, particularly when you are using household cleaning products.

If you can’t open windows because of outdoor pollutants or traffic noise, or because your air conditioner is running. Then use ceiling and exhaust fans to facilitate the exchange of fresh air.

Pet allergens also are a major issue..

carpet stain 2

Dog and cat allergens are found in almost every home in the United States, whether or not dogs and cats live there! In homes with dogs and cats, the levels of allergens are almost always high that they could trigger allergies or asthma. But even many homes without dogs or cats have dander levels high enough to provoke allergy symptoms. Where does this come from? Presumably it is dragged into a house on clothes and rubs off on places where people commonly sit. It also gets into the air. High efficiency particulate air filtering (HEPA) systems in air purifiers and vacuums can help reduce exposure levels. Most professional cleaning services use these filters to clean with.

There are no cats that are hypoallergenic. Studies have shown, however, that light haired cats cause fewer allergy symptoms than dark haired cats. Female cats also produce fewer allergens than males.

Clean Frequently…

Frequent cleaning can also help reduce allergens and irritants that cause allergic reactions. This will also help you with your indoor air that is dirty. When you wipe countertops for example you are wiping away more than germs. You also wipe away pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. These are the four most common indoor allergens.

Frequent bi-weekly cleanings from a professional cleaning service like Maidsway Cleaning Services are always recommended for people who lead busy lives.

If you are the one who suffers from allergy symptoms, wearing a face mask during cleaning might help, as could cleaning a little bit at a time rather than all at once.

Dust mites live off human and animal dander and other household dust particles. They thrive in sofas carpets and bedding. Regular cleaning will minimize their population. Hire a professional cleaning service to help take some of the work load off as well.  Here are some tips for cleaning that we use at Maidsway Cleaning Services.

  • Dust with a damp cloth and mop floors rather than sweeping.
  • Regularly vacuum carpets and upholstery with high efficiency filters.
  • Regularly deep clean carpets.
  • furniture with slip covers.
  • Keep pets off the furniture.
  • Choose washable curtains.
  • Replace carpets with smooth flooring and washable area rugs.
  • Use a mattress cover and hypoallergenic pillows.