What is the big deal about cleanliness?
If our homes are our own, to enjoy as we went, why must we all conform to the same standards of good housekeeping?
One word: health. Good hygiene is the basis of a healthful environment. Without it, it will not be long before illness becomes a regular house-guest. A neglected home can affect both your mental and physical health. It can become a breeding ground for all kinds of bugs and beasties and negative energy that rob you of your natural well-being. Some can even be fatal.
The Microscopic Menace
I once watched video of a bowl of rice which had been left out overnight. To the naked eye, nothing much seemed to be happening. However, it made stomach-churning viewing. Before I saw that footage, I am ashamed to say, I had quite a lax approach to putting food away. Since then, however, I do not need any encouragement to take the necessary steps to keep my food, and home, as sanitary as possible.
When we understand why we need to do a certain task, i.e., the consequences for us, we are far more inclined to do it. Understanding the purpose and benefits of regular dusting, vacuuming, laundering, etc may provide the prompt you need to tackle those chores. Being aware of good, even vital reasons, why housework needs doing will automatically motivate you to do it.
So here are a few details of what (or rather who) may be lurking in your home if you do not...
- Dust contains allergies from house dust-mites, pet hairs and mould spores.
- Up to 100,000 dust mites can live on one gram of dust.
- Dust mites feast on deal skin flakes.
- The average mattress holds a million dust mites, each one producing up to 20 droppings a day.
- More than 60% of allergic asthma cases are caused by dust mites.
- Moulds can produce million of airborne spores a day. These can be highly allergic or even toxic.
- Symptoms of dust mite allergies include: coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny eyes and nose, sinus headaches, swollen sinuses, and difficulty breathing.
- Damp leads to mold and mildew which produce toxic airborne spores.
- The common cold virus can survive on a contaminated surface for up to 18 hours.
Now, some of these facts may make you squirm, but my intention is not to make you uncomfortable in your home. On the contrary, the point is to promote a healthier home. These uninvited guests will occur whether you are aware of them or not. So by being informed you are more likely to take steps to eradicate them. (In fact, researching and writing this section inspired me to begin entire domestic cleaning! How is that for motivation?)
Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy - Unknown
In learning these hazards, you may even uncover the source of an existing health problem. But the main aim is to highlight the issues - and the potential harm - so you will give priority to the essential cleaning tasks in your home. Then you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your home is supportive to your health and well-being, rather than a breeding ground for allergens and toxins.
In the hope that I have done such a good job in motivating you that you want to rush off immediately and eradicate these nastiest, here are a few quick tips on dealing with them:
- Dust mites reproduce rapidly in their ideal condition of heat and damp. You can reduce the warmth and humidity in your home by turning down the central heating, regularly airing your rooms and soft furnishing, or using a dehumidifier.
- Vacuuming is a more effective way of eliminating dust, as dusting can just redistribute it.
- Washing bedding at high temperatures kills dust mites.
- Putting soft toys in the freezer fora couple of days kills any inhabitants.
- Dust mites can thrive in sunlight, so air your laundry outside when possible.
- Destroy mould with bleach or white vinegar.
Having highlighted the dangers, I feel it is only right to offer these basic solutions, but more thorough education is beyond the this article. (My job is simply to get you to want to seek out this information.) A few minutes on the web will provide you with a wealth of cleaning know-how (and know-why). Then armed with this information, you will have a convincing incentive to take on your housework: it is, literally, for the good of your health. (Be warned, though, once you start clinging on this information - it will become harder for you to ignore your housework!)
Barbara is a Service Manager of a Fantastic Cleaning Services within Sydney, she likes to travel a lot and most of the time she cannot deal with the domestic chores. Even as a manager she realizes there is not to be ashamed of when asking for help. She likes everything to be spotless in her house and the best way to reach her goal is by calling professionals. She knows that experts are who you need when you are not to deal with the problem on your own. It is up to you to take advantage of the services they offer. Spend your valuable time doing something fun rather than cleaning. To read more related topics you need to get Housework Blues, written by Danielle Raine, such an amazing Author.