Living Areas
Usually, floors and furniture contain low risk for the spreading of germs. However, floors and furniture are prime "landing spots" for dust and allergens, including debris from dust mites, pollen, mold spores, cockroach residue and pet dander.
Cleaning to Reduce Dust, Germs and Allergens
The following general cleaning guidelines can help you to keep a clean and healthy home and reduce allergens on these surfaces.
- Vacuum carpets and soft furnishings to pick up dust, dust mites, and other debris. The general rule of thumb is to not wait until floors or carpets are visibly dirty to clean them. The more often you clean them, the easier the chore will be. Thoroughly dry all soft furnishings and carpets if they become wet as a result of an accident or steam cleaning to prevent the growth of mold.
- Clean hard surface flooring with an appropriate cleaner and water to remove dust, dirt, and visible mold growth.
- If you use a mop and bucket, disinfect them after each use and store them dry; position the mop head upwards.
- Damp-dust hard surface furniture to minimize dust and dirt and to prevent dust mites and other allergens from becoming "airborne."
- Remove surface clutter to make cleaning easier. Place hard-to-clean items in closets, drawers, or display cabinets with glass doors.
- Clean and disinfect tiled walls and other hard surfaces where moisture is likely to collect, in order to prevent the growth of molds and fungi.
- Do not use bleach products on carpets, wooden surfaces, or in confined unventilated spaces.
- Disinfect floors, furniture, and other surfaces (like walls) only where there has been a spill of body fluids such as vomit or feces. Use disposable paper towels to remove spills of body fluids, then clean and disinfect the surface.
- Clean and disinfect commonly touched objects and surfaces like television remote controls, light switches and telephones, especially if someone is sick with a cold or the flu.
- Always remember to wash your hands after cleaning.
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