The only thing at home you do not clean it makes you sick

Even your neighbor's cleaning habits could affect your health if they are not diligent.


With COVID-19 still spread across the United States and beyond, many people pay particular attention to their health and well-being than ever, to practice diligent hand hygiene to wear a mask in public. However, in many cases,What is inside your house could make you sick, also. In fact, a single item that you neglect to clean regularly could be the culprit of some serious health problems, the coronavirus included: yourHVAC Filters.

The indoor air filters may shelter many types of harmful bacteria and mushroom pathogens that can be redistributed in your home environment if your filters are not frequently cleaned. In addition, a civid study cited by cited by disease control and prevention centers (CDC) revealed that an air-conditioned restaurant in Guangzhou, China spread Covid with three families via "FortAir conditioner air flow. "

In another study, which has not yet undergone a scientific examination, Oregon researchers collected samples ofIn the hospital's HVAC system and found genetic materials of SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Their conclusions demonstrate that the virus may be transmitted through CVC systems, particularly those that are not cleaned regularly and carefully cleaned.

Covid aside, hvac dirty filters are a serious risk to health. In a 2014 study published inMycobiologyResearchers have discoveredNine fungal species On high-efficiency particle filters (HEPA) studied, noting that many of these fungi were known to invite allergen responses. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains thatPollution of inner air, as it caused by the redistribution of allergens in a space, can cause headaches, fatigue, vertigo and irritation of your nose, eyes and throat, among other effects.

"When [HVAC systems] are poorly maintained or neglected, allergens are blocked and stored inside ducts for a long time," saysNatalie Barrett, supervisor of the quality of service atCleaning Nifty ducts. "In fact, if you live in a building with other apartments, do not clean your air ducts can also harm your neighbors."

white man removing hvac filter
Shutterstock / Mike Focus

If you want to make sure you do your best to stay healthy (and your neighbors), make sure you do not just clean, butReplace your filters regularly.

"CVC and Funaace filters must be changed at least every 90 days," saysBailey Carson,cleaning head at hand. It recommends replacing your filters at the beginning of the winter, then again three months later.

This is not the only potential contributor to your poor health in your home, however. Read it to find out what other household items could make you sick without a suitable cleaning. And if you want to get your house without a spot, check out theseEngineering tips that will cut your cleaning time in two.

1
Dishwasher seals

white woman with blonde hair cleaning dishwasher interior
Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov

The rubber seal around your dishwasher could be hosting a shocking amount of bacteria and redistribute it potentially on your dishes. According to a 2019 study published inBMC Microbiology, from a sample of the dishwasher,632 types of bacteria were discovered, including E. coli, a potential indicator of fecal contamination. As a result, the researchers of the study note that "the dishwasher can not be ignored as potential sources of human infections".

However, if you want to get your own dishwasher seal, aSoap and scrub with water Followed by a spray of hydrogen peroxide can help. And for more good advice delivered in your inbox,Sign up for our daily newsletter.

2
Cooking sponges

Sponge
Refuge

If you do not disinfect - or better, replace it, your cooking sponge frequently, you could put yourself at risk of illness. In a 2016 study published in theInternational Journal of Food SciencesThe sponges of food institutions have been tested for contamination, researchers discover that 64.9% hadImportant quantities of coliform bacteria, a bacterial category that includes E. coli. In addition, 72.8% had detectable quantities of yeast and 45.7% had molds.

If you want to kill pathogens on your sponge, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendsMicrooflower your sponge While moisture (as long as it does not have metal cleaning components) or put it through the dishwasher, cleaning methods that kill more than 99.9% of bacteria. And for dirty objects in your home, checkThe most managed absolute thing in your home, according to science.

3
Cutting boards

dirty wooden cutting board on kitchen counter
Shutterstock / Anna Gerasko

Although you probably clean your cutting tables regularly, if you do not sit down, you could put your health in danger. A 2018 study published inPathogens and foodborne disease reveals that even after washing, a lotCutting boards resulted in dangerous salmonellar bacteria.

If you want to disinfect your cutting board,Molly Maid Cleaning Company Recommends to delete visible debris and wipe your table with white vinegar or three percent hydrogen peroxide, then rinse the board and allow it to dry completely.

4
Mop

woman pouring cleaning chemicals in mop bucket
Shutterstock / vgstockstudio

You use your mop to clean around your home, but when you cleaned the last time the mop head itself? Unfortunately, if the answer is never, you could considerably increase the amount of bacteria at home. According to a document of 2018 published in theJournal of Hospital & Medical Management, "The cleaning procedure can actuallySpread heavy microbial contamination. "

However, there is an easy solution: just discard this mop head into washing on a hot cycle and dry it completely or opt for single-use cleaning pads. And for more ways to level your cleaning routine, see theseEngineering products that make cleaning easier.


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