Newsletter

DIRTY TIMES

Someones Got to do the Dirty Work:

Dirty air ducts can cause allergies and asthma. Removing contaminants from air duct systems is one of the best ways to control dust and reduce indoor air pollution.
Your air ducts are ideal breeding grounds for fungus, mold, spores, and bacteria. Whenever the heat or air conditioner is on, these contaminations are blown into your home.

Fact: Indoors air is found to be up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air-EPA
Fact: 1 of 6 people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to the fungi and bacteria in air duct systems.
Recommendation: people suffering from asthma should have the air ducts cleaned every 6 months. For allergies, once a year. No allergies, every two years.

Does your home make you sniffle? Use these house cleaning tips to cope with allergies and prevent sneezing and discomfort.

Thoroughly clean places where molds flourish, like drain pans under your refrigerator, old flowerpots and shower curtains.
Encase box springs, mattresses and pillows in allergy-proof covers to keep dust – and dust mites – away.
Clean and service air conditioning units to remove pollen and other allergens trapped during prior use.
Always wash bedding in hot water (at least 130 F) to kill dust mites and launder every one to two weeks.
Dust regularly. Wear a mask if you are allergic to dust and replace dusting cloths often to prevent dust transfer from one piece of furniture to the next.
Stay away from dustwands, brooms and feather dusters. These tools merely move dirt and dust around. Vacuum all surfaces thoroughly, preferably with a
HEPA-filter vacuum, catching dust on baseboards, high ledges, upholstery and ceiling fans.
Restrict your pets' movement to as few rooms as possible, especially with regards to bedrooms. Frequently damp-wipe feeding areas and launder bedding often.

10 Steps to help you prepare for unexpected guests! Keep this checklist handy for impromptu hosting to eliminate messes and clutter quickly when time is of the essence.

Use a laundry basket to pick up miscellaneous items and store in a bedroom closet.
Close all doors to bedrooms and other rooms not intended for guests.
Make room in the coat closet for guest's coats.
Place extra rolls of toilet paper in a decorative basket in the bathroom.
Wipe off fingerprints on appliances.
Remove any dishes from the sink or countertops.
Light dust the coffee table and other spots where guests will congregate.
Vacuum high traffic areas.
Burn scented candles in the bathroom and kitchen or set out potpourri.
Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy your company

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How to fight mold growth for a healthy home. Hang the "not welcome" sign with these tips and learn how to keep windowsills, bathrooms, kitchens, and air conditioners free of mold and mildew.

Windowsills. Check the insides of windowsills for mold growth and wash with mild soap and water. Re-glaze windows for a better seal and make sure any drainage openings in the tracks are clean and not clogged.
Humidifiers and Vaporizers. Empty these appliances daily and clean every three days with a solution of vinegar and water. Vaporizers should be cleaned daily with the vinegar and water solution.
Air Conditioner. Air conditioners need to be serviced often to reduce mold growth. Clean the coils of the central unit every other month with mild soap and water, followed by a solution of heavily diluted vinegar and water, and replace the filter.
House Plants & Dried Floral Arrangements. Re-pot your houseplants with a sterilizing potting soil and don't over-water. Throw away dried floral arrangements with signs of mold growth.
Bathrooms. Clean those really tough areas in the bath and shower with a non-ammonia-based detergent and thoroughly dry. Keep a squeegee handy to quickly wipe down shower walls after each use to reduce the amount of standing water in your shower.
Kitchens. Clean under sinks where mold is present with denatured alcohol and one-cup water. Check plumbing under sink periodically to look for leaks.
Refrigerators. Wash the inside of refrigerators with a mild soap and water solution. If the refrigerator has a bad smell, add a teaspoon of lemon extract or a teaspoon of vanilla to the wash water.