Published: January 30, 2009 02:40 pm      

Clear out the clutter to limit dust and mildew

Kathy Smith, Democrat Columnist

When it comes to clutter, “collecting dust” is no idle phrase. Having lots of stuff around such as piles of mail, bags of grocery bags, newspapers and knick knacks provide welcoming places for dust and its allergens to accumulate and grow old musty. Although they may have special meaning to you they can be inviting for roaches and mice to live.

You can reduce dust and dust mite allergens by using the following suggestions:

n Keep small items, like CD, tapes, DVDs, books, figurines and stuffed animals in enclosed storage containers, drawers or closed cabinets to prevent dust.

n Toss old newspapers and magazines. Set a limit: one week for newspapers; three months for magazines. If you hold on to them longer for recycling, get a closed storage container or move them to the garage.

n Get rid of that stash of grocery bags. Insects love to live in them, crawl through them, and leave allergens behind. If they are damp, mold grows in them as well.

n Regular dusting and vacuuming along with some wise decorating choices can help control the dust mite population.

n Dust furniture regularly using a furniture dusting product. Dusting with a dry cloth will spread the dust around.

n Vacuum and wet mop floors weekly. Use an upright vacuum or canister style with a power nozzle. They pick up two to six times as much dust from a rug as canisters without a power nozzle.

n Use special dust mite-proof covers. These are sometimes called “allergy impermeable” cover. These prevent dust from going through pillows and mattresses. Wipe covers with a damp cloth every week.

n Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in bathrooms. Instead, use small, washable rugs and launder them weekly. If you can’t avoid carpeting, choose a short, tight weave to minimize dust accumulation and make cleaning easier.

n Choose lightweight, washable curtains instead of draperies. Heavy drapery fabric attracts more dust.

n When purchasing furniture, consider hard or smooth, easily-clean surfaces such as wood vinyl, leather or laminate, rather than upholstery. In the bedroom, omit unnecessary fabric surfaces, such as upholstered headboards, bed canopies, dust ruffles and throw pillows.

Moisture and humidity on surfaces are the climate of choice for mold and mildew. Look for and eliminate sources of excess moisture, including leaks and high indoor humidity.

Also to help reduce and eliminate mold and mildew follow these suggestions:

n Use the exhaust fan when bathing, showering, or cooking.

n Keep the areas around faucets and handles and under sinks clean and dry.

n Use non-abrasive, all purpose or antibacterial cleaner on shower stalls and bathtubs. Check for soap scum; if necessary, use a soap scum remover.

n Shower curtains are a favorite breeding frown for mold and mildew. Most shower curtains can be laundered using detergent and liquid household bleach. Check the care label on fabric show curtains. For vinyl ones, scrub heavily mildewed areas with liquid bleach or mildew remover before laundering.

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Kathy Smith is the Parker County extension agent. Her column appears Sundays. She may be contacted at (817) 598-6168.