Winter brings a cozy atmosphere to our homes, but it also comes with challenges such as increased indoor time, poor indoor air quality, flu season and wet weather. Keeping your home clean and healthy in winter can be easier than you think.
Ensure you’re practising frequent handwashing to prevent the spread of germs. Keep hand sanitizers and antibacterial soap in easily accessible locations around your home such as near sinks, basins and entryways.
As part of your home cleaning routine, wipe down frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and remote controls with disinfectant wipes or a solution of water and vinegar. Do this regularly to reduce the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness.
Place doormats at the front and back entrances of your home and encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before entering. This helps reduce the amount of dirt, debris and germs brought into your home.
We tend to keep our doors and windows closed when it’s cold, however opening them for 5 to 10 minutes each day can make a significant impact to the indoor air quality in your home. You can also use an air purifier to reduce allergens and pollutants. Ensure you change HVAC filters regularly and consider adding houseplants to help purify the air. Learn more about the Benefits of Indoor Plants and the top 5 recommended plants for greatest health benefits.
Dust furniture, shelves and any other surface that collects dust regularly using a microfiber cloth. Pay special attention to areas that tend to accumulate dust, such as ceiling fans, window sills and skirting boards. Dust can exacerbate respiratory and allergic reactions and usually contains a mixture of tiny particles, including dead skin cells, pet hair, pollen, dust mites and other allergens. When inhaled, these particles can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger allergies and lead to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. Prolonged exposure to dust can also contribute to chronic respiratory issues and other health problems so keep your home dust-free as much as possible.
Winter weather can bring mud and moisture to your carpeted floors. Vacuum your carpets and rugs frequently to remove any debris and dirt and consider having them steam cleaned every 6 to 12 months to remove deep-seated dirt and allergens. You may like to read A Guide to Maintaining Carpets to enhance the longevity of your carpets.
Maintaining balanced humidity levels can help prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which thrive in damp conditions and can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions. Balanced humidity also helps keep the skin hydrated and reduces the risk of respiratory infections and skin irritations, which are common in dry winter air. To maintain optimal humidity levels ensure your home is well ventilated or you can use a humidifier to enhance humidity levels.
Wash sheets, pillowcases and frequently used blankets at least once a week in hot water to kill germs and dust mites. We recommend using hypoallergenic laundry detergent to reduce skin irritations. Also, ensure the bedding is completely dry before placing them back on your bed or storing them in cupboards to prevent any growth of mould and mildew.
Wet and dirty clothes can pile up quickly in winter. When damp or wet clothes are in your washing basket for prolonged periods of time it can lead to mould and mildew growth. After washing, ensure the clothes are thoroughly dry before storing them.
Remember to clean and disinfect your cleaning tools to maintain optimal hygiene and cleanliness throughout your home. This includes disinfecting items such as sponges, dusters, cleaning cloths, mops and vacuum filters, to prevent spreading germs within your home. A good way to naturally disinfect cleaning tools is to use warm/hot soapy water with a mild detergent or a natural disinfectant such as white vinegar or essential oils (eucalyptus or tea tree oil). For more information you may like to read Green Cleaning: How it Benefits Your Health & Home.
By incorporating these tips into your cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean and healthy home environment throughout the winter season, ensuring comfort and well-being for you and your family. If you are finding that your time is limited and you would like to arrange a quote for a regular home cleaning service or a once-off (spring) clean, enquire here. The Bliss Home Care Services team are dedicated to keeping your home clean and healthy in winter with our certified green cleaning products.
