When you think of things that could get you sick, you often think of a cold, a stomach virus, or other medical ailments. While all of those things can have you feeling under the weather, there are plenty of other things lying around your home that can have the same effect. The thing is, a lot of those things aren't even seen as harmful, or even seen at all.
In order to ensure that your home is safe, clean, and free of things that may make you sick, you need to ensure that you're taking care of these essential items and areas.
Your Bedding
It's scary to imagine that the place that you spend (hopefully) at least eight hours a night would be causing you to feel less than healthy. Your bed sheets, pillows, mattress, and blankets can collect dead skin, hair, dust, and even pet dander (if you let Fido cuddle with you). All of those particles can cause a flare-up in allergies or leave you susceptible to other illnesses.
Make sure to change your sheets each week and wash them in cold water to kill any dust mites. You should also consider investing in protective covers to keep unwanted particles from burying themselves in your mattress — or at least vacuum and turn your mattress regularly. Lastly, we know you love your pets, but keep them off of your bed to prevent fur and dander from building up.
Your Sponges
Sure, your kitchen and cleaning sponges are meant to help get rid of germs and bacteria. But if you use them for too long or cross-contaminate them, they could end up spreading the bacteria you’re trying to get rid of.
You should only use a sponge for about two to three weeks before replacing it. Any longer than that and the sponge has absorbed enough germs to not actually do its job properly. If you don't want to replace your sponge, you can put it in the microwave or dishwasher to sanitize it.
It’s also important not to use the same sponge for everything. Don't use your dish sponge to clean your bathroom sink or outdoor patio furniture. Have an assigned sponge for every task to avoid cross-contamination.
Your Pipes
It can be hard to imagine that pipes can end up making you sick. However, if those pipes leak and add moisture to your home, they can allow for mold to grow and put your health at risk. If you notice that there are any leaking pipes or fixtures around your home, it's important to get them repaired right away to reduce the chance of mold or mildew growth.
Your Cleaning Products
While you may love your all-purpose cleaner that packs a lemon-scented punch, did you ever look at the ingredients inside of that product? Most store-bought cleaners are chock full of powerful chemicals that can harm your indoor air quality, irritate your allergies, or cause physical harm.
To keep yourself safe (and healthy your best bet is to use a green or homemade cleaning product. You may be surprised at how well a little distilled vinegar with essential oil goes when keeping your home clean and safe.
Your HVAC System
A lot of things can make you sick here. If you ignore your filter, it won't be able to catch dust and dirt particles before they go through your system. If you neglect having your ductwork cleaned for a long time, dust, dirt, hair, and other gunk can remain in them and be pushed throughout your home whenever your system cycles on.
It’s essential to replace your HVAC filter approximately every 30-45 days and have your ducts cleaned every six months to keep them (and your home) clean and healthy.
Trust Air Treatment Heating & Cooling to Keep Your Home Safe and Healthy
You can count on Air Treatment Heating & Cooling to provide honest advice, fair prices, and exceptional work. We are a top-rated Fairfax HVAC company ready to help you with any job; whether it be a heater or AC repair, duct cleaning, or a water heater installation.
Call us today at (703) 270-0881 to see how we can help you with your next heating and cooling project.