Your living room is probably one of the most well-loved spaces in your home. It’s a place to gather family, relax after a long day at work, or spend a lovely weekend afternoon reading a book or playing video games. Although it’s a room that symbolizes comfort, you probably don’t realize that it’s filled with health hazards that lurk in every corner.
You may not know it, but one of your most beloved rooms is home to bacteria, allergens, and air pollutants. All of these can lead to an upset stomach, a cold, and other respiratory illnesses that can make you feel awful. If you have any babies, small children, or family members with a compromised immune system, you’ll want to make sure you keep your home free of such irritants.
Here are five items in your living room that are actually making you sick:
Remote Controls
These nifty devices operate your TV, gaming systems, ceiling fans, and even your audio setup. You and your family probably touch them dozens of times every day, but you’ll have to think about whether anyone washed their hands properly before using the remote. Unfortunately, the answer is probably no.
Such electronic accessories are a magnet for bacteria, primarily since people use them so often. If someone in your household is ill and uses these devices, they’re probably putting even more harmful organisms onto it. In this case, make sure to wipe these down with disinfectant products. You can also call a house cleaning service to give your home the deep clean it deserves.
Air Fresheners
You probably wouldn’t expect air fresheners to make you sick, as they cover up stale or foul odors in your home. However, they contribute to indoor air pollution, and they don’t improve air quality. Many home fragrance products, candles, and certain oils for diffusers contain chemicals like limonene and formaldehyde that cause eye irritation and respiratory distress.
Instead of using these products, consider opening up your windows. That way, fresh air can clean out the indoor pollution. You can also use bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or even distilled white vinegar to clear the odors. Essential oils are a great way to add natural, non-toxic scents to the air as well.
Candles
Similar to air fresheners, candles add a wonderful fragrance to any room. They also create a great ambiance when they’re lit, which is useful for when you’re in a relaxing mood. However, most candles use paraffin wax, which is produced with petroleum. As a result, they release harmful chemicals like ketones, which irritate the respiratory tract.
The good news is that you don’t need to throw these out—they’re just as good for adding a decorative touch to your living room. Opt for candles made of soy or beeswax instead, as well as wicks that do not have wire or metal in them.
Carpeted Walls
Carpets are pleasant to the touch, especially when they’re on walls. However, they’re notorious for attracting dirt, dust, bacteria, and other allergens. Even if you’re meticulous about vacuuming it every day, there’s no surefire way of preventing it from releasing these irritants into the air that you breathe, leading to skin conditions and breathing problems.
Replacing your carpeted walls with a new one won’t be the solution, either. Instead, vacuum it with a HEPA filter while hiring a professional housekeeping service to clean it regularly.
Heating and Air Conditioning Vents
While every home must have an HVAC system, it can also cause health risks when you misuse it. Make sure to change your filters regularly, or else it can spread mold, allergens, and bacteria in your home. You must also dust your vents weekly and clean your ductwork every year.
If this is too much work for you, a house cleaning service is the best way to go. You can relax and resume your regular activities while your house is restored to sparkling perfection.
Conclusion
These everyday household items add a great touch to every home, but if you’re not careful, they can also make you sick. If you’ve been struggling with allergy or skin problems, these are probably the culprit. Fortunately, hiring a house cleaning service is the most cost-effective way to resolve these issues without worrying about spending on replacements.
The Dream Clean Team offers high-quality and thorough house cleaning services in Niceville, FL, and surrounding areas. We are adequately insured and bonded while providing various residential services that vary from weekly to monthly. Book your house cleaning with us today!
