As healthy as you make it
A home is not just about design and architecture, it’s also about
maintenance. And one of the most common problems, challenging both aesthetics
and health, is that of dust and dirt. Dust, dust mites, fleas and mould lead to
health problems such as allergies, cold, sinus, asthma, dry and itchy skin,
watery eyes, nasal congestion, wheezing, coughing and sneezing, besides other
infections.
These issues can be tackled with simple techniques that make your
house ‘clean enough’, and then constant maintenance will do the trick.
Deal with dust
Dust particles settle on the floor, on furniture and shelves, on
upholstery and curtains. Remember, keeping the windows constantly shut does not
help. It worsens the situation for allergy sufferers, as the dust stays trapped
inside.
Instead, take a few simple steps. For instance, use heavy-duty
commercial style door mats rather than coir, fur or plastic mats. Vigorous
sweeping with traditional brooms stirs up dust and moves it from place to
place. Vacuuming is a more effective way of cleaning. The newer dry dust mops,
which use micro-fibre yarn, are a good replacement for brooms and effective in
sucking up dust.
Carpets are a dust trap and must be vacuumed regularly, as must
upholstery, cushions, and mattresses. Install a central vacuum system, if
you’re constructing a house and make life easier. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting
and use throw rugs that can be washed or dry-cleaned. Mop floors everyday with
warm water, especially textured flooring. Sprinkle borax on carpets after
vacuuming, as it prevents mites and fleas from breeding. Walls around
electronic devices or TVs are particularly prone to dust, with static pulling
the dust in, so clean regularly. Use matte finish, anti-allergic paints, now available
in the market. These paints are easy to clean with soapy water, and they are
safer than standard paints. Avoid textured walls on large surfaces, as they
attract dust and are very difficult to clean.
Blinds and curtains also attract dust but are often forgotten.
The dust on blinds hardens from exposure to sunlight, so first dust and then
wipe with a clean, soft and damp cloth. Curtains must be washed monthly. Wood,
metal or plastic blinds absorb less dust and are easier to clean compared to
curtains. Use bamboo blinds on balconies to filter the air and for a cooler
breeze.
Dust mites and flea allergens thrive in bedding and soft
furnishing. Cover pillows and duvets that can't be regularly washed with
allergen-proof fabric covers available in the market. When not in use, store
them in airtight, zippered plastic covers. Otherwise, bedding should be washed
weekly in hot water (at least 60 deg C) and dried in direct sunlight.
Clean AC filters regularly. Air purifiers help suck up the dust
before it settles. Skip ionic air cleaners, which release ozone; instead opt
for fan-powered cleaners.
Mould issues
Mould or fungus is a common problem during the monsoon. The chief
reasons for mould are excessive humidity that leads to moisture condensation on
surfaces; lack of ventilation; steaming from baths, showers and cooking; and
water seepage from roofs or walls. Mould looks like dark patches on walls and
surfaces.
First, clean up mould using a soft cloth and soapy water. You can
use baking soda or dishwasher detergent. Mop up quickly with a dry cloth.
However, mould must be prevented. Keep humidity low (40-50%) by
using a dehumidifier or air conditioning. Ensure that all leaky plumbing or
seepage issues are repaired. Make sure you use exhaust fans in bathrooms and
kitchens. Avoid rugs or carpets getting wet, and don’t store things in
cardboard boxes on the floor. Use air-conditioners and dehumidifiers during the
monsoon, especially if you dry laundry indoors. Also, take indoor plants
outside for watering.
A clean home is a healthy home, so take care.
Clean tips
Dry mops are more effective than brooms
Borax on carpets prevents mites from breeding
Look for anti-allergic paints and bed linen
Wash bed linen in hot water and dry in direct sunlight
Keep humidity low by using dehumidifier or air conditioning
Clean the AC filters regularly
Repair leaky plumbing or seepage to prevent mould
TH120629 
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