Floor Cleaning Improves Indoor Air Quality

If you struggle with allergy and asthma problems, you already know they can be caused by a multitude of sources. From cashews to shellfish, bee stings, certain kinds of meds, and so much more, there’s no telling what might cause an allergic reaction. But let’s say, for example, that your primary allergy is to dust or pesticides. You can clean and dust your house all you want, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to remove the source of the problem. That’s because dust, pesticides, and a multitude of other allergy and asthma irritants collect inside home ductwork, and every time you turn on your furnace or AC system, they start blowing around and invading your living spaces. So, what’s a careful homeowner to do? You have “umpteen” remedies at your disposal, but for today, let’s explore just one of them: your floors.

By cleaning them often and in the right ways, you can reduce the number of airborne pollutants causing you upper respiratory discomfort. Here’s how: • Vacuum. Chemicals and allergens can get trapped and remain attached to household dust for literally decades. By cleaning your floors regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, you can cut way back on existing concentrations of lead, brominated fire-retardant chemicals (PBDEs), as well as allergens like pollen, and pet dander, and dust mites. The HEPA filter captures these contaminants so they can’t travel upward again and infect your lungs. But don’t just vacuum your floors. It’s just as important to include walls, carpet edges, and upholstered furniture. • Mop. Floor mopping finishes the job that vacuuming starts. Microfiber mops and just water (no soapy additives) does the best job. • Keep pollutants out. Put a large floor mat inside and outside every entranceway. People track a surprising number of pollutants on the soles of their shoes. Doormats can help leave those at the door with thorough shoe wiping and, even better, removal.

Here at Bob Boldt HVAC, we can contribute to asthma and allergy relief in a big way with a whole-house air filtration system – the kind that captures more than 99% of airborne pollutants as they travel through your air ducts. For more information or a free in-home proposal, contact us today.