We just found out that there is an American Cleaning Institute and thought we’d share some of their fantastic information. The following is from their Spring 2010 Survey and Poll:
ABCs of Clean
However long it takes you, SDA has a few suggestions for addressing the ABCs of spring cleaning.
A is for Asthma and Allergy Triggers
During this challenging winter, many of us were snowed in with our pets, whose dander is one of the most common triggers of asthma and allergies. Compound that with a few months of everyday dust and the tiniest unwelcome guests who seek shelter in our homes during cold weather, and it’s time to do away with the “A.”
Have an allergen control plan. Clean one room at a time, starting with where an asthma or allergy sufferer sleeps. Wash their bedding and curtains. Dust surfaces and vacuum the carpet clean the window sills and frames. Wet mop the floors.
SDA has extensive online information on removing asthma and allergy triggers at www.cleaninginstitute.org/health/allergies/.
B is for Bacteria
From the front door knob to kitchen counters, the telephone and remote control, SDA recommends giving every surface in your home the thorough cleaning it needs with the goal of reducing the likelihood that bacteria stick around for spring.
Prevent mold and mildew from accumulating in the bathroom by using a daily shower cleaner. Use a disinfectant or products specially designed to remove mold and mildew.
If you’re in the kitchen, give the surfaces a good cleaning and disinfecting. Make sure you allow enough time for the germ kill, per the product label instructions.
C is for Clutter
Sort it out: take everything out of the closet and dresser, out from under the bed and off the shelves and furniture. Put stuff in separate piles. Separate out what you don’t need anymore and donate it if you can.
Keep similar items together so that children know where to find things. Put items inside drawers, closets, covered boxes or plastic containers so dust can’t collect on them.
While the furniture surface is clear, use an electrostatic dust sheet or furniture polish or wipes to take care of a winter’s worth of dust.
Visit SDA’s website for more household cleaning tips at www.cleaninginstitute.org.