Ever since the pandemic began, people have started cleaning more frequently. Those who have busy lives sometimes don’t have the time for housework, so they hire house cleaning services in Anchorage. But if it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your home, it’s only natural that you worry about your health.
It’s a well-known fact a clean home is a healthy environment, and keeping it that way requires effort and planning. Neglecting this chore can lead to some health hazards, and in this article, you’ll learn exactly what happens and how to prevent it, so keep reading.
What happens if you don’t clean your house?
You may be wondering how not cleaning can affect your home. There are numerous things to watch out for, but the most common are:
Clutter-induced stress
When your rooms are filled with unnecessary items that don’t have a home or a purpose, you tend to get stressed without even knowing it. Too many objects mess up your focus and even thinking about tackling the chaos is overwhelming.
Since holidays are the season of gifts, you end up with more items than you need, and it’s best to declutter before Christmas, to make room for new things you’ll bring into your home. Find a place for every item and put it back when it’s not in use.
Bacteria and germ infestation
Leaving dirty dishes and food overnight already results in a funky smell. Neglecting it for a few days can lead to bug infestation, mold, bacteria development, and before you know it, your kitchen is full of germs. It becomes a dangerous place because of the many diseases you can get.
Try to take out the trash as soon as the bin fills up, clean your garbage disposal at least once a week, do your dishes every evening, and dispose of any spoiled food as soon as possible to prevent this.
Mold and mildew in the bathroom
It’s no secret that the bathroom is the dirtiest room in every home. You should try and clean it at least twice a week and make sure that it’s dry after every use. Any moisture may lead to developing mold and mildew which can be difficult to remove. Also, forgetting to clean around the toilet is the biggest mistake people tend to make, as it can result in bacteria overload.
Allergies and dust mites
Having a layer of dust over your furniture can literally be breathtaking. Even if you aren’t allergic to dust, you still run the risk of serious health problems.
Since there is no way to prevent it from occupying your home, the best thing you can do is to tackle it twice a week so there’s not enough time for the dust mites to move in. Use a vacuum cleaner for a quicker clean-up.
Can you get sick from not cleaning your house?
In short, yes – letting dirt accumulate in your home can be incredibly harmful to your health, and in more ways than one. For instance, dust and allergens contained in it can exacerbate respiratory issues and, in some cases, even cause them.
Toxic spores released by mold can weaken your immune system or trigger allergic reactions, while surfaces can quickly become a breeding ground for germs and viruses, causing various diseases ranging from flu and the common cold to diarrhea, dysentery, or kidney infections.
Finally, dirty homes are fertile grounds for all sorts of pests, such as cockroaches and rats. These critters are not only a nuisance but they are also known to carry dangerous diseases, including salmonella and E. Coli, which can be lethal in some cases.
How do you know if your house is making you sick?
Throughout this article, we’ve mentioned several health detriments that could result from not cleaning a house on a regular basis. Now, it’s time to go a bit more in-depth on the actual symptoms, which may include (but are not limited to):
- Respiratory issues: Frequent coughing, sneezing, or wheezing, as well as exacerbated asthma and allergy symptoms can all point to problems with dust, mold, and pet dander.
- Increase in infection frequency/duration: If you or your family members are constantly combating flu, colds, or skin rashes, poor house hygiene may be the likely cause.
- Exacerbation of allergic reactions: Unexplained rashes, itchiness, or watery eyes can all be caused by dust mites, mold spores, or pest infestations.
If you start noticing these symptoms, it is highly advisable to have professional house cleaning services in Anchorage do a thorough sanitization of your space. However, if the symptoms persist despite the deep cleaning and, especially, if you’ve been experiencing them for a while, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
How often should you really clean your house?
Considering everything said up until now, it is clear that regular home maintenance is key to a healthy life. The million-dollar question, however, is “How regular?” The truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The frequency of cleaning depends on many factors, including the size of the home, number of occupants, presence of children and pets, amount of foot traffic, and desired level of cleanliness.
That being said, the recommended frequency of cleaning, according to pros should be:
- Large, busy households: At least once a week;
- Mid-sized household, relatively busy: Weekly or bi-weekly;
- Small household or single-occupant home: Bi-weekly or monthly.
In addition, you should schedule a deep clean at least twice a year, or more frequently if necessary. Of course, you should tailor the cleaning schedule to your needs and preferences, as that’s the best way to ensure that your home is consistently sanitized and healthy.
Where can I find reliable house cleaning services in Anchorage?
Whether you forgot to clean before you went on a vacation or you’ve neglected your home for far too long, don’t worry, White Lilac is here for you! We team up with meticulous maids who will help you with the mess in no time. Instead of worrying about the germs and bacteria, grab your coat and enjoy a relaxing day off by visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center with your loved ones. Contact us today!