If someone in your home is immunocompromised due to conditions like severe allergies, cancer or an autoimmune disease, you know that your home must be as clean and sterile as possible. There are many things you must clean regularly that you might not have to in a home where everyone has a healthy immune system. In addition to cleaning, there are things you can do when it comes to things like cleaning products and your heating and air conditioning to ensure a healthier home.
Pick a Healthier Vacuum Cleaner
The right vacuum helps to ensure a deeper clean for your upholstery and carpeting. Ideally, you want to use a vacuum that has a built-in HEPA filter so that it is able to collect the majority of allergen particles that have settled into these surfaces.
Check the Cleaning Products You Are Using
You want to make sure that your cleaning products are not doing more harm than good for immunocompromised people in your home. It is best to choose cleaning products that are effective, while also being gentle and free from harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can serve as an irritant to the skin and respiratory tract.
Consider Annual HVAC Cleaning
When you clean your home, you attend to the surfaces, furniture and other physical components, but do you think about the air in your home? Your HVAC system duct work plays a major role in forcing allergens into the air of your home if it is not cleaned properly and regularly. It is ideal to have a professional HVAC inspection and cleaning about once a year to ensure optimal cleanliness.
Think About Air Purification
Air purification with a high-quality filter, such as a HEPA filter, helps to ensure that the air in your home is as clean and pure as possible. This type of filter works to nearly eradicate a variety of allergens that can accumulate in your home and circulate in the air. Cleaner air means it is easier to breathe and that your home in general is healthier.
Keep Mold Under Control
Mold can cause a number of health issues because it is one of the biggest allergens you want to be aware of. Mold is most common in rooms where moisture can accumulate, such as your kitchen and bathroom. Basements can also be a place where mold flourishes. It is important to have mold removed as soon as you notice it since it can multiply quickly. Ways to reduce and control mold include immediately fixing leaky pipes and repairing cracks, and keeping your home humidity level below 50 percent.
As you can see, keeping your home as healthy and clean as possible is not difficult. It does take a little extra work and maybe a few modifications, however. Simple tasks like regular heating and air conditioning duct cleaning and switching to a different vacuum can have a major impact.