Spring Cleaning!
The weather is getting warmer. Finally! With spring comes one of my favorite times, spring cleaning. It might be a drag for some of you to think about taking on but it’s a great way to get some fresh air in your home and to get ready for the summer ahead.
Before we can talk about spring cleaning, let’s learn a little more about why “fresh air” is so good and why “non-fresh air” is so bad for us.
One main word…DUST! Yes, it’s a four letter word. Dust is made up of plant pollen, human and animal hair, fibers, minerals, human skin cells and other particles. Dust mites that make up the main component of dust, produce a lot of household dust and in the air we breathe. This dust tends to “settle” on to surfaces that aren’t disturbed often, like the top of a shelf that hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. Additionally, dust mites greatly bother those with asthma and indoor allergies so it’s time we spring clean and get rid of them!
First – make sure you change the air filters in your house! The recommendation is to swap it out every 1-3 months so double check when you switched yours out last.
Second – get a microfiber cloth and get to work! Start wiping off the tops of surfaces and hard to reach areas to get all of the dust. Make sure to start at the top of a room (by the ceiling, hello ceiling fans!!) and work your way to the floor to clean up any dust that has fallen.
Third – open your windows and doors and let the outdoor air in. This not only makes your house smell great, it allows dust to blow out in to nature as well.
Fourth – use hot water to wash drapes, pillows, comforters, sheets and cases for couch cushions (or any other cases you have on furniture). The hot water helps to kill those dust mites.
Springtime shouldn’t mean a time for allergies or stress with regard to cleaning, but it’s a great time of the year to clean your home and get dust mites out of the way.
We hope that you enjoy the spring! Also, please make sure you “spring clean” your body! Make sure you are up to date on all immunizations and if you are not, or if you ever have any questions regarding your health, please come in and see us.
At Carlos and Parnell, M.D., P.A. our professional and caring staff makes the difference with patient care. – See more at: http://www.dev.carlosparnellmd.com/thermometers-and-babies/#sthash.MFvVROkI.dpuf
