The Dangers Of A Dirty Home
The Dangers Of A Dirty Home
There’s nothing like a global pandemic to get us thinking about our hygiene. From vigorously washing our hands and cleaning our surfaces, the threat of Covid-19 reminded us just how important it is to clean our environment and keep germs at bay. On top of that, the new normal of remote working meant our homes became more than just a place to sleep. They became somewhere we rested, rejuvenated, ate, exercised, and worked. With so much activity occurring in one place - the need to be clean is even more imperative.
For most of us, however, cleaning our home is laborious, tiring, and boring - yet necessary and worth the effort. There’s seldom a better feeling than getting into bed with fresh linen after a long day. From de-stressing and bettering our mental wellbeing to becoming more productive and active, there are many benefits to a tidy, clean home.
The psychological benefits of a clean home
Research has indicated that having a clean, organized home can lead to numerous psychological rewards, from seeking new experiences to going out more often, feeling less fatigue and stress, sleeping better, rejecting negative feelings, and more focused thinking (and not to mention finding things faster and easier).
As humans, we identify strongly with our environments, so when our interior living space is cluttered with mess, dirt, and other bugs, it eventually impacts how we view ourselves. In 2013, a study published in Psychological Science confirmed that order and disorder have measurable effects on our choices, preferences, and behavior. The study found that people in clean, orderly homes are more likely to choose healthy snacks, donate money to charity, and select options labeled “classic” or “traditional”. Alternatively, those who participated in disorderly homes experienced boosts in creativity and unconventional thinking but failed to choose healthy or conscientious options for themselves.
The Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin published a study that found people who described their homes with positive words such as “restorative” or “restful” were less likely to be exhausted and stressed compared to those who described their homes as “cluttered”. The study also revealed that women, in particular, were most negatively impacted when they had “stressful home scores," testing higher levels of cortisol and increased depressed mood throughout the day.
Indiana University found that those living in clean homes reported higher levels of physical activity. Subconsciously, we try to correct clutter and debris in our surroundings, making it difficult to allocate attention effectively and complete tasks efficiently. The Journal of Neuroscience found that working in a clean environment boosted concentration and focus as the visual cortex wasn't overwhelmed by task-irrelevant objects leading to distracted brain processes.
Protecting your assets
Cleaning the house is an essential part of homeownership and daily upkeep. Necessary for maintenance and optimal function of appliances, gadgets, and furniture, properties must be sanitized regularly to lower the risk of attracting pests, mold growth and increase the shelf life of products, goods, and fabrics.
But is the big weekly clean good enough?
It’s Saturday lunchtime. You’ve managed to get through the laundry, swept the house, mopped, vacuumed, and emptied the dishwasher. It looks presentable. But is it actually clean? Did you remember to vacuum under the bed and sofa? Did you clean the mattress and cushions? Has all the pet hair been collected from the rugs and carpets? Problem is, a standard vacuum and toxic cleaning products often leave hard-to-reach areas dirty, dusty, and unclean. Filters clog and reduce airflow, which leaves musty odors, wet fur smells, bacteria, and allergens that can have serious consequences both psychologically and physically.
Have you captured all the allergens in your home?
Every home falls victim to allergens. Dust occurs uninvited and contains a mixture of components that causes allergies. Such irritants hold particles from dust mites that thrive in warm, humid places. Cockroaches can lead to asthma and nasal allergies. Airborne mold spores and dander from the shedding of animals and their fur can be inhaled and cause hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Indoor plants can be sources of mold and pollen, and burning candles, incense, and cigarettes release toxins into the atmosphere - further polluting the air and embedding into the soft furnishings.
Indoor allergens can cause symptoms in susceptible people. From a runny nose to watering of the eyes, sneezing, and postnasal drip to asthma, wheezing, difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis, inflammation, red, itchy eyes, and skin irritations, such as eczema, allergic dermatitis, and skin rash.
Antihistamines, nasal sprays, allergy immunotherapy, and other drugs are often prescribed to treat the symptoms of allergies - but why treat the symptoms when you can treat the cause? Having a clean home with fresh, bacteria and irritant-free fabrics, carpets, mattresses, rugs, and curtains can transform your health and discomfort so you can sleep, breathe and live a better life!
Can you trust your cleaning products?
Yep, you read that right. We expect our cleaning products to reduce the risk of toxins and bacteria in our homes - but sometimes - they stimulate adverse effects that allude to a myriad of different health problems. The artificial fragrances used in traditional cleaners mixed with potentially toxic substances can increase the chances of unwanted illness, from cancer-causing carcinogens to irritating chemicals. Often our cleaning products are causing more harm than good, so where you can, use water-only tools. For example, a water filtration vacuum can remove stains, pet accidents, and more by simply adding hot water and running the vacuum over it - so say goodbye to harmful chemicals!
Don’t forget that dirty mattress and sofa!
We spend nearly one-third of our lives sleeping on the same surface, which frequently collects dust mites, microscopic organisms, sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and the occasional breakfast-in-bed crumbs. These elements threaten the immune system, provoke skin irritation and allergy-like symptoms - and washing the sheets is not enough if you don't clean the mattress underneath.
Most families spend a lot of time on the sofa watching great movies and TV shows, delving into delicious snacks, and offering a place to crash for friends and visitors. We may also be privy to the odd dinner-in-front-of-the-TV evening, so over time, the pet and human hair, sweat, and moldy foods collect and build into larger pieces of debris - making for a very unhygienic napping spot. Therefore, it's imperative to run the vacuum over the couch, cushions and refresh the covers in the washing machine if you can!
Polluted air vents are no joke!
Air ducts can be difficult to check, reach and clean, so make sure you’re checking your filters regularly and per the product’s instructions. If your air conditioning fails to work efficiently, you’re getting sick - or more often - schedule a visit from a specialist to check your units. If left untreated, allergic reactions and respiratory issues can occur, such as coughing, wheezing, and/or skin irritation.
What’s hiding in dirty floors, carpets, and bath mats?
Trapping dust, mites, bacteria, pet dander, and other allergens - especially if you walk inside with outside shoes, can lead to allergies, skin rashes, fungus, and skin infections. Bath mats, in particular, lock in moisture and dead skin that can develop into v, bad smells, and fungal organisms that can infect the foot or perpetuate into athlete’s foot.
Did you wash your pillows, too?
You may think washing your pillowcase is enough. It’s not. Your pillow is where you rest and have direct contact with your face - which will most likely include saliva, bacteria, and other bodily fluids. Make sure to wash the pillow itself in the washing machine or via steam cleaning to make the most of your skincare routine and protection. After all, there is no point investing in expensive lotions and potions if all the germs are trapped in your cushion feathers!
The power of using the right tools
One sure-fire way to waste time and energy is to use incorrect cleaning and housekeeping tools and solutions. Be careful not to use harsh chemicals that can damage and permanently scar surfaces and other parts of your home. Powerful tools can reduce time, effort, energy and provide better, longer-lasting results. By using a water filtration vacuum cleaner, no dust can escape or blowback out while you vacuum or empty the filter. The Quantum X vacuum contains Micro-Silver technology that instantly neutralizes viruses, bacteria and captures mold spores, fungus, and even viruses that are too small for a cloth, foam, or HEPA filters - perfect for enduring a global pandemic and fighting Covid-19!
Selecting a powerful, durable and reliable vacuum cleaner is one of the best investments you can make for your health, the longevity of your home, peace of mind, and mental wellbeing. When we’re spending the majority of our lives living, working, and playing from our homes, it’s imperative that we’re in a safe and clean environment that invites clarity of thought, optimal thinking, and a restful place to rejuvenate.
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