It’s no secret a person's environment can impact their well-being. Just consider how you feel on a walk through the park on a sunny day versus sitting in a dim and dingy room. This comparison extends to the home, and spring is the perfect time for a deep clean. Here’s a look at why housecleaning is important for wellness and how to get started. 

How Your Home Can Affect Your Health 

One reason thorough spring housecleaning is on many to-do lists is to rid the home of clutter, dirt, dust, and grime. The cold, wet conditions in winter and spring can also increase the likelihood of fungi, which thrive in moist environments. Mold and mildew are particularly prevalent in the damp seasons when airflow may be limited due to closed windows and doors. 

Meanwhile, family members and pets may track in mud, dirt, and grime from the outdoors as well, and spiders and other pests may come inside for shelter and food. Pollen is another springtime nuisance, especially for those with allergies.

When your home is dirty, the indoor air quality suffers. Pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and pollen can become embedded in carpet and upholstery fibers or settle into corners. When someone steps on the carpet, sits on an upholstered chair, or moves items from a dusty pile, these particles circulate through the air, where they may be inhaled. 

Clutter can also be unhygienic, as it makes your home more prone to bacteria buildup and pest infestations. Furthermore, a dirty home may be stressful, and chronic increased stress can inhibit immune system function. 

How to Clean the House

Maintaining a healthy immune system requires a multipronged approach, including eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, exercising, reducing stress, and housecleaning. 

In addition to daily or weekly tasks like vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, and disinfecting countertops, spring is a good time to tackle some deeper cleaning chores. These include cleaning and organizing all the cupboards, scrubbing the baseboards, and dusting the lights. Wash the walls, rugs, and all blankets and pillowcases. You might also want to place pillows in the dryer for about 10 minutes to kill dust mites.

Finally, the HVAC system's air filter should be replaced to promote cleaner airflow. After a winter of furnace use, you'll likely notice a hefty accumulation of dust and debris when you slide the old filter out of the air return slot. The average household should aim to make this swap at least once per season. 

If spending the weekend housecleaning isn’t your idea of a good time, consider hiring a cleaning service. Besides saving you time and energy, the housekeeping professionals at VesCo Residential Cleaning will also do a more thorough job. This family-owned and -operated residential cleaning service has served the homeowners of Mason, West Chester, and Cincinnati, OH, for more than a decade. Call (513) 683-8888 to speak with a friendly staff member to schedule an appointment. Visit the website to learn more about how they'll help you maintain a clean and healthy home.