Ceiling fans, AC filters, and windowsills. How these dirty items can affect your health and simple tips to keeping them clean
In continuation of our 4 part series, we need to realize that no matter how clean our house or office is, those miniscule dust mites cannot be completely annihilated BUT can be kept to a minimum.
Having dust mite allergies is a sure way to ruin your day, as it can make you suffer from an itchy or a runny nose, itchy skin, cough, watery or red eyes, and itchy throat. What’s more, it can also lead to asthma where symptoms like chest pain, difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty in talking are experienced.
When eliminating dust mites and allergies, our basic instinct is to clean the surroundings thoroughly and do some deep cleaning. However, there are still certain appliances or items that are often overlooked when cleaning. These items include ceiling fans, air conditioning filters, and windowsills, which, when left unclean, can cause allergies and may eventually affect your health. Here are simple tips on how to keep them clean.
Ceiling Fans
In a warm and humid climate, electric fans are considered to be basic household items. Ceiling fans, in particular, are one of those items that we can overlook when cleaning as they are usually placed above our normal line of vision. They can easily collect dust and dirt especially if you do not use them for a long period of time. And the moment you turn them on, all the dust and dirt accumulated over time will get redeployed into the air and cause allergies. A dusty ceiling fan can direct dust mites all over your furniture and beddings. When cleaning ceiling fans, use a hand vacuum cleaner to clean each blade and wear glasses to avoid the dust getting into your eyes. If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, wipe the blades with a damp cloth in a gentle manner so that the dust won’t fall on your furniture. You may use an old pillowcase to cover the blades before you take them out of cleaning.
AC Filters
It is very important to clean your window unit air conditioner filter whether in the office or at home. Poorly maintained ac filters do not just hurt the power efficiency of the unit but can also seriously affect the quality of the air you breathe. In cleaning your ac filters, take them out from your air conditioner (turned off). Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of dirt and dust, cleaning them carefully and thoroughly for best results. You may soak them in water with vinegar. Leave for a few minutes or an hour if deep seated dirt. Drain and dry before placing them back in your AC. You can enjoy breathing fresh air once again. For central air conditioning, change the filters as soon as they begin to be covered in dust.
Window Sills
Another item that we tend to overlook when cleaning is the windowsills. Before cleaning your window and windowsill, gather all your cleaning equipment such as sponge, clean cloth, cleaning solution, water, and the old toothbrush. Use a clean, damp cloth with a cleaning solution to wipe the windowsills. Make sure all the dust and dirt are removed. You may use an old toothbrush to reach corners and edges.
A clean and healthy environment is what we need to keep at a minimum all those dust mites and prevent allergies.
Tune in again next week for part 3 of this 4 part series – Dust Mites and Allergies – Beds and Bedding Part 3.
