You’ve always been a bit sickly around this time. The temperature outside the home is dropping. Summer has given way to fall. Soon, we’ll experience the cold frosty weather of winter, too. But even though the winter blues will cause cough and colds, this isn’t the best time to get a dry cough. We all know why. As a major symptom of coronavirus, experiencing a cough can bring us to a state of panic.
So what can you do to identify areas of your home that can be getting you sick? How can you make sure the winter isn’t going to send you to the emergency room with panic setting in your mind? You have to make sure your home isn’t only safe against the coronavirus but against all types of allergy-triggering toxins and contaminants, too.
Outside the Home
You don’t usually mind what’s outside your home, right? As long as the grass is trimmed and the plants are pruned, that’s good enough for you. What many don’t realize is that things outside can also cause the members of the household to get sick.
One of the most important things to remember is to use a pressure washing service for the windows. When the windows are dirty and you open them up to let the air in, dust and dirt will get into your home easily. These particles are so minuscule that you won’t even notice them until you’re sneezing halfway into dinner.
Roof and Ceiling
And how about your roof? Rodents and other pests can be living in your roof or attic without you knowing. If you hear noises from the ceiling, that’s because rodents, possums, rats, and mice have made it their home. The moist environment in the ceiling is the perfect breeding ground for them. These creatures carry many diseases, such as leptospirosis, Tularemia, hantavirus, Salmonella, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis.
Basement
The basement is a breeding ground for molds and mildew. The moist environment of the basement is where molds thrive the best. The problem with molds is that although they aren’t as pesky as rodents, they decrease the quality of indoor air. Molds carry with them toxins. Black mold, for example, releases mycotoxins that lead to a runny or blocked nose, dry cough, watery red eyes, sore throat, skin rashes, sinusitis, and wheezing.
Pet Dander
You may not be allergic to animals with fur, but what about those tiny microscopic flecks of skin they shed? Called pet dander, these bits of skin can cause an allergic reaction to many people. In the United States, for example, the biggest source of pet dander is cats. Aside from the flecks of skin, you could also be allergic to their saliva, feces, and urine. The allergen becomes airborne, which causes people to inhale them without knowing.
People with allergies to pet dander may experience different symptoms, but the reaction is mostly concentrated on the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Common symptoms include congestion, wheezing, runny nose, and chest tightness. Others may experience watery eyes, rashes, and itching.
Bedroom
If you’re waking up feeling more tired than usual, it’s probably because you’re surrounded by bacteria, mold spores, and dust mites. Do you know that your pillow can be carrying all these? Yes, you could be hugging the bacteria in your pillow tight. You wake up feeling like you’re going to get a cold. That’s because these tiny microorganisms live in your pillows, bedsheets, and mattress.
You should change your pillows (if they are not washable) every year. You also need to dispose of your mattress every five years. As for your bedsheets, try to replace them every three years or so. Old fabrics, even with continuous washing, can house microorganisms that trigger allergic reactions.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are the most frustrating area of the house to clean. Mold and mildew spread quickly in the bathroom because of the high humidity. It could spread on the tiles, caulks, grouts, faucets, and showerheads. Aside from the fact that mold is harmful to your respiratory system, it is also unsightly to see.
But another thing that you might overlook is the quality of water. You’re just using water to wash your hair, so why should this be a problem? Hard water, for example, has high levels of calcium and lime. That can cause spots on the bathroom fixtures.
But that’s not the only problem with water quality. It can also carry bacteria and certain chemicals, especially if you have an old home with an outdated plumbing system. Make sure to check the pipes, put a dehumidifier, and air out wet towel and shower curtains.
It is vital to keep your house sparkling clean these days. You must eliminate toxins and any other things that can cause you to develop coronavirus-like symptoms. Remember that it’s no small matter to spend hours in the emergency room waiting to get cleared. Keeping your homes clean is a step away from the virus.
