The majority of the population is no stranger to allergies. But did you know that it’s not just the outdoors that may trigger allergy symptoms? The average home actually holds 2 times as many pollutants than are found outside. Today, we’re going to reveal some dirty secrets that your home may be keeping so that you can get allergies back under control:
The Culprit: Upholstery & Carpets
Even though we sit on our couches and chairs almost every day, we don’t often think about actually cleaning them. Believe it or not, dirt and dust particles accumulate on these surfaces, and over time, they gets pushed down deeper and deeper into the fibers.
Quick Fix: Think about getting a fabric protectant for your furniture. Stains won’t attach and settle into your upholstery fibers as easily when a protectant has been applied. Also, vacuum every week and get your furniture professionally cleaned at least once a year (and more frequently if you have pets and children).
The Culprit: Blinds & Ceiling Fans
Since all blinds cover windows, they are known to quickly collect dust and dirt particles. Ceiling fans do the same thing. When you turn on your ceiling fan, you sometimes are re-distributing the accumulated dust around the house.
Quick Fix: Develop the habit of washing your blinds and wiping off the fan blades weekly. For people who want an option that requires less maintenance, consider replacing your blinds with window shades instead.
The Culprit: Hardwood Floors & Area Rugs
Some people wrongfully claim that bare floors are cleaner than carpet. Think again. Just like ceiling fans, unhealthy particles settle on hard surfaces, only to be re-distributed back into the air when there is any sort of movement or activity in the room.
Quick Fix: Get an area rug or consider adding a doormat. Area rugs are known to act like big filters that actually trap dust and dirt particles in their fibers, and keep them there until you vacuum. This can be especially true in high traffic areas. We recommend using nylon or wool area rugs because they can withstand a lot of traffic. Make sure every so often these area rugs get professionally cleaned.
The Culprit: Tile, Grout & Stone
Have you noticed your tile, grout, and stone accumulate a lot of dirt/soil? In your bathroom, the moisture acts like a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Your grout is porous – meaning it is a prime spot for dust, mold, and fungus to grow.
Quick Fix: A good way to freshen up the look of your tile, grout, and stone is by using a sealant. A general rule is to reseal rooms with lots of traffic about once a year. Other rooms, like the guest bathroom, should be resealed every 4-5 years or as needed. Complete Chem-Dry of Lake Orion uses specialized cleaning products and suction equipment that effectively cleans tile, grout, and stone. We can restore its beauty and improve the health of your home – all at the same time!
The Culprit: Heating & Air Conditioning Filters
Your home filter is designed to remove particulates from the air. These can include things like pollen and dust.
Quick Fix: Make sure to read and follow the directions on each individual filter and replace them accordingly. Doing this is particularly important after the winter months of the year.