Indoor Air Quality: The Hidden Places Where Dust Can Still Accumulate

Many homeowners and their spouses pride themselves on the cleanliness of their homes. This pride comes from regular dusting, vacuuming and general tidiness. However, there are areas of contamination that often go overlooked. And this applies to work space as well. Remember, almost all air inside a building, whether it be a home or an office is recirculated so it collects contamination from the occupants and the surroundings.

The Vacuum Cleaner

The vacuum cleaner is great tool for preserving the life of carpet and rugs but it also very good at redistributing the dust and other materials it collects. Some of the particles are just blown around the area by the force of the vacuum cleaner motor while others escape from the dust bag it self. You can make a very large reduction of the scattered particles by using a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter in your machine. Also, there are HEPA bags designed for a number of vacuum cleaners that will trap and hold a great deal of the collected trash. A combination of a HEPA filter and a HEPA dust collector bag will make your vacuum cleaner a significant aid in cleaning the air where you live and work.

The Air Vents

Some other sites that contribute to less than the healthiest air are the heat and air vents, whether they are in the floor or in the ceiling. If you are using forced air heating and air conditioning, then the little particles are scattered about by the moving air. As soon as the air slows down a bit, the dust and other objectionable items are dropped on some table or chair. Of course, you could be breathing the dust while it is still airborne and aggravates anyone with an asthma or breathing problem. You can purchase a HEPA filter to fit in most vents and it is constructed in a way to collect the dangerous materials. Moreover, some HEPA filters will capture mold and odors. Since a good bit of all the air in your home or work space is passing through these filters, the filter is a very good place to start your plan for cleaner air.

The Portable Heaters and Radiators

Even a stationery heater will distribute collected particles when it begins to radiate it's warmth. Collected particles will stay still until the heat comes on then some will move out into the open air and some will even incinerate, depending on the type of heater used. Quite often, small space heaters will be stored for the summer and brought out into use during winter without a good cleaning. These uncleaned ones will bring a good bit of dust to your room when first started so it's important not to overlook this area when you clean.

The Furniture

Your furniture is another collection place for undesirable dust and particles. Collections occur because of vacuuming, dusting and the use of the furniture by people. Sometimes the clothes we wear will bring dust into the furniture. Also, a pet can hop up onto a chair and cause a good bit of particles to be deposited on the chair and subsequently into the air. Having a regular schedule of vacuuming the furniture, at least once a week, is another good way to reduce air contamination.

Get and keep healthy air for breathing by using filters as much as you can. Regular cleaning and dusting at least once per week is very much recommended. It will benefit you, your family and any guest you have in your house.