Page 20 - HGD9 St Bernard

every month, especially if
you, or someone in your
household, suffer from
allergies or respiratory
conditions. Poor air qual-
ity in the home is one of
the top five environmental
contributors to asthma and
seasonal allergies. Unless
Spring Cleaning moldy or dusty, duct clean-
your air ducts are visibly
ing isn’t necessary. How-
ever, the Environmental
FOR BETTER HEALTH Protection Agency recom-
mends regular cleaning if
family members experience
BY ANJA SPRINGTHORPE unexplained illnesses.

DECLUTTER FOR
nnual spring steam-clean all fabric sur- spills, crumbs and mold MENTAL HEALTH
cleaning is a faces inside your home. accumulate under fridges, Cluttered, messy
dreaded task This helps eradicate dust dishwashers and ovens. homes are known to
Afor many of us. mites and reduces the risk Cockroaches thrive in this trigger anxiety and de-
Finding the motivation to of allergies. environment. Roaches pression in people with
tackle chores like window aren’t just frustrating, but mental health problems.
washing, rearranging CHECK FOR LEAKS also carry parasites and Disorganized rooms,
furniture or organizing the TO AVOID MOLD spread germs that trigger cluttered surfaces and
garage can be challeng- Be diligent and check asthma or gastroenteritis. untidy floors not only
ing. However, what we all piping throughout Give your kitchen an annu- create a chaotic environ-
ought to keep in mind is your home. Even the al deep-clean to reduce the ment, but also affect our
that spring cleaning not smallest of leaks can lead risk of roaches and other quality of sleep, which is
only results in a polished, to mold and fungi. Chil- bugs inhabiting your home. vital to mental well-being.
organized home, but also dren and older people are A decluttered, organized
provides a number of most susceptible to mold. CLEAN AIR FIL- home supports restful
health benefits. Airborne particles cause TERS AND DUCTS sleep, reduces stress and
respiratory problems, Change your air filters improves overall mood.
DEEP-CLEAN rashes and weaken the
FABRICS TO REDUCE immune system. If you Cluttered, messy homes
ALLERGIES find a moldy area in your are known to trigger anxiety
Upholstery, carpets, home, address the leak and depression in people with
rugs, throws and mat- immediately and contact mental health problems.
tresses are a prime spot a registered professional
for dust mites. These tiny for mold removal.
crawlers feed on dead skin
flakes in the home. In CLEAN UNDER
sensitive individuals, dust KITCHEN APPLIANC-
mite exposure can trigger ES TO AVOID PESTS
coughing, sneezing or Pests delight in the
watery eyes. In more se- spills, sticky spots and
vere cases, dust mites can food scraps left on kitchen
cause asthma attacks and floors. Avoid the wrong
allergic reactions. If pos- kind of house guest by
sible, place mattresses in keeping your kitchen floor
the sun for several hours clean. And don’t forget
to get rid of mites. Also, about appliances. Liquid

20 home garden DECORATOR