Think about all of the things in your house that you touch every day. Now think about how many of those things might be making you sick. It’s probably more than you think! But just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there. In fact, there are all sorts of hidden dangers lurking in your home that you need to be aware of. This blog post will talk about some of the most common sources of illness in the home and how to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more!
Dirty Bed Sheets
We all know that the bed is somewhere most of us spend 8 hours a night. But did you know that your dirty, unmade bed could be harboring all sorts of nasty things? Dust mites are microscopic insects that feed on dead human skin cells and can also eat pollen, animal dander, and fungal spores. When there’s a lot of them, they can cause all sorts of respiratory problems. And if you’re not a fan of dust mites, you’re not alone. They’re one of the most common causes of asthma in the world.
The good news is that there are a few things you can do to reduce the number of dust mites in your bed. First, make your bed every day! This will help keep the sheets clean and free from dust mites. Second, use allergen-proof covers on your pillows and mattresses. These covers will trap allergens and prevent them from coming into contact with your skin. Finally, wash your sheets at least once a week in hot water to kill any dust mites that might be lurking on them.
Contaminated Cooling & Heating Vents
Did you know that the vents in your home could be spreading bacteria and mold from one room to another? That’s right, these common household items could be responsible for a whole host of illnesses. The problem is that most people don’t think about cleaning them regularly, so mold and mildew can build up inside the vents. If you have small children or anyone with asthma living in your home, it’s important to clean these areas at least once a month.
When the seasons change, there tends to be a huge spike in heating and cooling costs. This just means that there are more particles floating around in the air that could get into your cooling and heating systems. So why not give them a deep clean? To do this yourself, take the vents outside and use a hose to spray them down with water. You can also use a brush or vacuum attachment, but be careful not to damage the vent covers.
The Old Vacuum Cleaner
Speaking of vacuums, did you know that some people hang onto them for over ten years? If your vacuum is more than a decade old, it’s time to get rid of it. And not only because it looks bad! Older vacuum cleaners are often less powerful at forcing air through the hose and tend to emit larger amounts of pollutants into the air. Even if your vacuum is doing an okay job on hardwood floors or low pile carpets, you should still think about replacing it.
If you’re planning on buying a new vacuum cleaner, try to find one with at least 10 amps of power. Anything less will probably have trouble sucking up small particles like pet dander or dust mites. Also, look for something with at least a 12-inch cleaning width if you’re going to be using it on carpets. As far as brands go, there is a lot that has a good reputation. You can’t go wrong with Bissel or Oreck, but Shark and Dyson also tend to be reliable choices.
The Pet’s Fur
How many times have you given your pet a hug or let them jump up on the couch with you? We all love our furry friends, but did you know that their fur can actually be dangerous to your health? Some pets may carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. These guys can cause anemia in humans if they’re carrying the right kind of blood. They also spread tapeworms and ringworm to humans.
If you want to avoid these nasty pests, make sure your pet is treated for any known conditions by a veterinarian. That way you’ll know exactly how to protect yourself! And make sure everyone in your household knows how important it is not to touch animals who might be infested with parasites. Educating your family about the dangers of these creatures is an important part of keeping everyone safe.
Household Cleaning Products
Most of us use household cleaning products to keep our homes clean and free from germs. But did you know that these products can also be a source of illness? Some of the most common household cleaners, such as bleach and window cleaner, contain harsh chemicals that can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.
If you’re worried about the safety of your household cleaners, you’re not alone. A recent study found that over 60% of Americans are concerned about the health risks associated with these products. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. First, always read the label before using a cleaning product. Second, use caution when using products that contain harsh chemicals. And third, try to use natural alternatives to household cleaners, such as vinegar and baking soda. These products are just as effective at cleaning your house, but they’re a lot safer for you and your family.
Filthy Refrigerator Compartments
We all know that the fridge is a breeding ground for bacteria, but did you know that the compartments are just as bad? In fact, they can be even worse, since they’re not typically cleaned as often as the rest of the fridge. And if you’re not careful, those bacteria can spread to your food and make you sick.
To keep your refrigerator compartment clean and free from bacteria, it’s important to wipe it down at least once a week. You should also avoid putting raw meat in there since it can contaminate other foods with bacteria. Finally, don’t forget to clean the shelves and drawers every month or so using hot water and dish soap.
The Bathroom Mat
You might not give it much thought, but your bathroom is actually one of the dirtiest places in your home. After all, you do spend a lot of time there. And it’s got lots of nooks and crannies where dust mites love to hang out! But what’s worse is that they also enjoy hanging onto the bottom of your shoes as you come into contact with them throughout the day. That means that they can easily end up on the bathroom mat after you take off your shoes at the end of your shower each morning.
The best way to avoid this problem is by using a synthetic bathroom mat instead of a natural one. In case you’re wondering, a synthetic bathroom mat is designed to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and molds. This helps keep them free from dirt and dust, which makes them easier to clean. You can just take out your regular vacuum cleaner at the end of each day and give them a quick sweep!
Conclusion
There are lots of things in your house that could be making you sick. As a matter of fact, it seems like there’s at least one item every day that is a potential source of illness. Fortunately, you can avoid these issues by simply educating yourself about the dangers they pose. That way, you’ll always know which items to keep an eye on and what steps to take if something goes wrong.