Your house is supposed to be a safe haven. It’sIt’s somewhere you can relax, unwind and spend time with your family. But how clean is your house? There could be some hidden health risks around your home that are often overlooked.
Are you always feeling tired despite getting what seems like enough sleep? Is there an illness you can’t quite shake? There could be something in or around your house that you’ve missed.
Let’sLet’s take a look at the 5 most overlooked places in your home that could be causing health problems.
1. The bathroom: the air vent
Bathrooms are a breeding ground for germs. The obvious culprit in the bathroom is often the toilet. However, there may be another suspect at large. Most bathrooms come with some form of air vent to get rid of moisture and keep the airflow moving. They act as extractor fans to keep the room dry and prevent mold from growing.
Sometimes, this air vent can get covered in cobwebs, dust, and bugs that make it difficult to clear the air. This dirt will just get recirculated around your bathroom and trap moisture in things, creating mold sprouts.
A blocked air vent can cause infections or respiratory problems, so on your next Spring clean, check the air vent and add it to your list of regular to-dos.
2. The bedroom: the mattress
The mattress is one of the most overlooked places in the home that can take a toll on your family’s health. Washing your sheets once a week might not be doing all the work. We’re pretty gross when we sleep. Saliva, sweat, and skin cells all build up in your mattress and make a good breeding ground for bedbugs.
All of these things can cause skin irritations and make viruses like cold and flu very happy. Keep on top of your mattress with a good steam clean, and make sure the airflow in your bedroom is strong with open windows and doors.
3. The kitchen: the oven
Most people keep on top of their kitchen to keep food preparation nice and sterile. But how often does your oven get some TLC? If something has boiled over on your hob or your extractor fan is dusty and clogged, it can cause some serious risks for your family.
An unclean oven is a fire risk. A stuffy extractor fan can easily overheat, and burnt food on hobs can burst into flames. Take care to clean your oven properly by going over all the nooks and crannies to reduce any risks.
4. The outside: your gutters
Keeping your gutters clean is incredibly important. When gutters get clogged, they can get heavy and pull away from their fixtures. This can lead to falling debris or even your gutter coming down altogether, easily injuring passers-by, especially if these gutters are made even heavier with water.
Clogged gutters can also attract dangerous pests like wasps, bees, and rats that can find their way into your home easier than you might think. Thanks to these things, dirty gutters are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and illnesses that could harm your family.
Consider regular gutter cleaning to avoid injuries, external damage, or pest infestations that might affect your family’s health.
5. The garage: storage
The garage is a great place to store all your stuff. It keeps everything out of the way and is usually the first port of call for anything you can’t find a home for. However, if you don’t clean out your garage regularly and keep everything in good condition, then it could become a breeding ground for mould and mildew.
Garages are known for being damp and cold, which are the ideal growing conditions for bacteria. Add a garage clean to your list at least once a year. Don’tDon’t store anything soft in there, like sofas or toys, and keep the airflow moving.
The takeaway
There are several areas in your home that might get overlooked as a result of the number of things on your to-do list. However, it’s important to take proper care to keep them clean for the benefit of your family’s health.
Keep bathroom air vents and mattresses clean. Ensure you thoroughly clean your oven and avoid storing too many things in your garage. Finally, perform regular gutter cleaning to protect your family from the outside in.
