Cause of allergies: 4 things in your home you need to clean immediately
Household items that harm your health if not cleaned properly (Photo: Freepik)
Persistent headaches and allergies may not be caused by a cold, but by invisible threats in your home. Research shows that common household items can harbor dangerous bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Real Simple reports on four things in your home that you should clean immediately to protect your health and improve indoor air quality.
Kitchen sink
A study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) found that 45% of household kitchen sinks tested positive for coliform bacteria, a family of bacteria that includes harmful pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Kitchen sinks and cleaning tools are known to be among the most contaminated areas in any home. It is recommended to clean your sink once or twice a week with a disinfectant.
Heating and ventilation system
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is responsible for the air quality in your home. Ensuring it is in optimal condition is extremely important.
Dust, dander, mold, and chemicals can enter your home, meaning you are constantly breathing in polluted air.
If you suffer from asthma, allergies, headaches, or joint pain, your HVAC system could be contributing to these conditions. Removable filters should be replaced regularly, and scheduled maintenance should be carried out.
Blinds and curtains
Fabric surfaces can also harbor dust, microbes, and allergens. Dust, pet hair, and dander are common irritants that may harm your health.
Curtains and blinds should be cleaned weekly or every two weeks using a vacuum cleaner on low power to avoid damaging the fabric. Using a furniture attachment or brush is recommended. Move from top to bottom along the folds, holding the fabric to prevent it from being sucked in.
This method helps capture particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even some viruses.
Mattress
Weekly changes of bed linen are not enough. Mattresses can accumulate large amounts of skin cells, dust mites, allergens, and bacteria.
A person sheds many skin cells and sweat throughout the day, which remain in the bedding and mattress. Moisture from the floor creates an ideal environment for dust mites.
Vacuum your mattress weekly after removing the sheets to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Wash mattress covers in water above 60°C (140°F) and use a hot dryer setting to kill dust mites.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
