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Spring Into Cleaning
Tips to Get Your Home Spic and Span and Safe This Season By Cara J. Stevens
He also recommends cleaning your home's air ducts, not necessarily for allergies, as "the jury is still out on that," he says, but for energy efficiency. "Even a small lining of dust increases the resistance, which increases the draw on electricity," he says.
Dr. Welch also cautions against the use of Venetian blinds, which collect dust as well. If you do have them in your home, however, he says a thorough, regular cleaning is definitely in order.
Animal dander, dust and other small particles have a nasty habit of collecting in carpets, rugs and anything else that is upholstered. While you should be using a vacuum fitted with a Hepa filter attachment for everyday cleaning (most vacuums now come with that option), an annual or biannual steam cleaning of all upholstered fabrics and carpets can help get rid of animal dander and dust mites.
Whether you live in a damp or dry climate, mold can be an issue if you have any leaks or cracks in water pipes or hoses. And don't just go through the inside with a fine-tooth comb. "Go outside and take a look around the house to see if you have cracks in the foundation or any unusual water marks," says Donna Smallin, author of Organizing Plain and Simple (Storey Publishing, 2002).
"If you have gone through winter and spring with any dampness or water leaks because of the weather, make sure you dry out the area completely," says Dr. Welch. "Most mold can't sustain itself without the moisture that was created in the first place, so before you simply throw out your carpet because of a winter flood, take steps to dry it out with fans and heaters. If you are able to keep it dry, it will die off."
The important thing is not to feel guilty if you opt to hire someone so that you can spend more quality time with your child or if you feel you just can't handle the workload. Once you make the decision, enjoy the result!
