MKUL Inc.
12/13/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/13/2024 13:41
5 Tips for a December Deep Clean
Spring cleaning may only be rivaled by the late fall deep cleanse. As we prepare for holiday guests, spend more time indoors, and shake off the dust bunnies from our holiday decor, remember that your home is only as clean as your air. Here are five tips for deep cleaning to get your home truly clean.
1. Declutter
Before you can truly clean your home, you have to tidy your home. This is the time to go through the junk drawer, get rid of useless knick knacks, and make your piles of items for re-gifting or donating. Even the most dedicated minimalist knows how quickly *things* can accumulate, and you're not honoring yourself or the object by leaving it unused in the closet, collecting dust. Get organized and if you can't find a home for an item, get rid of it.
Less clutter correlates with less dust, less surfaces to clean, and a more comfortable space to move about and enjoy time with your loved ones. Research even proves that decluttering has many psychological benefits, like increased focus and productivity, and less irritability. If it doesn't spark joy, let it go.
2. Deep clean (without dirtying your air)
Household cleaning supplies more often than not contain toxic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, volatile organic compounds, phthalates, chlorine, and fragrances that can cause health concerns like shortness of breath, tissue damage, endocrine disruption, or even fatality. In addition to being bad for humans, they're also bad for the environment, entering our water supply and harming marine life and delicate ecosystems. In addition to polluting our indoor air, harming the environment, and putting our loved ones' health at risk, they can also be expensive. Do your household a favor by cutting this unnecessary cost in favor of natural cleaning products with less harmful effects.
Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and even high-proof vodka are effective cleaning agents that won't break the bank and will sanitize and scour without making your indoor air quality radioactive. Whether it's disinfecting surfaces, removing stains from toilets, loading your dishwasher or doing laundry, there's usually a safer alternative. Be mindful to avoid greenwashed "natural" or "plant-based" cleaning agents - many brands that claim to be less harmful by means of being dye-free or unscented are still loaded with triclosan, QUATs, fragrances, and other compounds that can induce allergic reactions or even be carcinogenic.
3. Sweep out the basement and attic
Lugging out the Christmas tree and ornaments from storage spaces often stirs up dust and debris that have settled over the year- and sometimes worse is lurking in our basements, attics and closets. Hauling out the holly is the perfect opportunity to tackle areas of the home that are often overlooked, and make sure nothing sinister is lurking. Keep an eye out for rodent and insect droppings, as these can trigger allergies and asthma or even carry viruses, and signal the need for remediation.
As you clean, check for mold or mildew, which basements are particularly prone to due to their dark and damp nature. Mold spores can spread quickly and pose health risks, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Check walls, floors, and storage areas for signs of moisture or discoloration. If you find mold, address it promptly with appropriate cleaning solutions or seek professional help for extensive growth. By routinely cleaning and checking for issues, you can prevent long-term damage and maintain a safer, healthier basement.
4. Clean your air
The holidays can leave behind quite the cocktail of indoor pollution. Dust from holiday decorations, germs brought in by visitors, and lingering odors from scented candles, cooking fumes, and even off-gassing from new gifts can contribute to poor indoor air quality. These particles and pollutants can irritate the respiratory system, trigger allergies, and make your home feel 'stuffy' or stinky.
If opening windows isn't an option due to cold weather, focus on improving indoor air circulation in other ways. Use ceiling fans to keep air moving, and run the exhaust fans on your range hood when cooking. Crank your air purifieror set it to Auto Protect mode to capture particulate matter, reduce odors, and destroy allergens and microbes, and enjoy peace of mind knowing you're providing safer air for your guests.
5. Change your HVAC filter
Most filter manufacturers recommend changing air filters every three months to maintain optimal performance. As winter approaches, it's the perfect time to ensure your furnace is running efficiently, helping to keep your home warm while reducing energy consumption. Regularly replacing the filter not only enhances the furnace's energy efficiency but also significantly improves the quality of the air you breathe by reducing dust, allergens, and other airborne particles in your home.
Ready to spring clean? Check out our Spring Cleaning Safety Tips guide.