Get it dust right
St Brigid’s Day heralds the time to start spring-cleaning
BY LARISSA NOLAN
SPRING starts in February in Ireland, due to old Gaelic tradition.
We welcome it earlier than other countries – starting on February 1, St Brigid’s Day – in what is known as Imbolc.
The Celts believed Imbolc was a time of purification and renewal, to cleanse the home and prepare for the new season.
It’s also called “springcleaning” – when we give our homes a thorough clear-out and clean-up.
Now the experts at problemsolving brand Dyson have shared their tips for giving your house a good spring-clean.
The company – known for inventing the cordless vacuum cleaner – say house dust mites are a serious menace, causing allergies and triggering conditions like asthma and dermatitis.
Dyson’s research has shown that the best way to deal with bacteria, pollen and dust mite allergens is to remove them from your home completely.
So, to get set for spring, here’s some tips to ensure your house gets a good deep-clean from top to bottom.
1. VACUUM CLEANING
Vacuum mattresses on a regular basis to remove dust mite allergens and skin flakes that dust mites feed on. Vacuum both sides of the mattress with a vacuum cleaner with an advanced filtration to prevent the allergen being placed back into the room
by exhaust air.
2. WASH BEDDING
Wash bedding on a hot wash to destroy allergens. Washing the bedding on a 60°C or 90°C wash will help to break down allergens (proteins) and reduce the amount of particles that can cause allergies.
3. WASH DUVETS
Wash or replace duvets and pillows to reduce the amount of dust mite allergens and skin flakes present in your bed.
4. TACKLE KITCHEN
Remove dust from kitchen cupboard tops. This is an often overlooked place that dust collects and through air movement can be displaced into the kitchen air.
5. DAMP CLOTH
When dusting either use a clean damp cloth or cleaning wipes which traps the dust more easily or use a vacuum with an advanced filtration system which will collect the dust.
6. VACUUM DUST
Vacuum your home after dusting so that any dust that has been disturbed and placed onto the floor is removed and not redistributed around the home by normal activity.
7. NEGLECTED SPOTS
Move furniture that can be moved and vacuum the places not often vacuumed, like under furniture.
8. PAY ATTENTION TO CHAIRS
Vacuum the sofa and chairs regularly; these can harbour not only large debris but also dust mites, skin flakes and other allergens such as pollen and food allergens. Wash any coverings and cushions to reduce the level of dust caught within them.
9. CLEAN CURTAINS
A lot of dust can gather in curtains and blinds. Make sure to vacuum them regularly or launder them if possible and practical.
10. DUST WALLS
Remove dust from walls by dusting with a damp cloth or cleaning wipes or using a HEPA filtered vacuum. Dust on certain wall types can contribute toward the growth of mould.
11. DEEP CLEAN KITCHEN
Clear kitchen sides and cupboards to deep clean. Use a vacuum with advanced filtration to remove dust and debris then wash with warm water and detergent – make sure you follow up by
drying all surfaces.
12. PAY ATTENTION TO LIGHTS
Dust lights and light fittings. A lot of dust can gather in lampshades and light fittings which can burn on hot bulbs or be moved round the room by the production of warm air round the bulbs.
13. DON’T NEGLECT FRIDGE
Empty out the fridge and freezer and clean all surfaces with warm water and detergent or cleaning product. Vacuum round the back and under the fridge and freezer without forgetting the cooler element on the back as this will have the added benefit of improved performance.
14. REMEMBER RADIATORS
Dust behind radiators – a hidden place often missed during normal cleaning. Significant dust collects behind the radiator, and this can be distributed around the room by the air flow produced by the warm air from the radiator.
15. DEEP CLEAN BEDROOM
Deep clean cupboards, wardrobes, and drawers in the bedroom. Dust mites can live anywhere; so wherever there is dust there is the possibility of dust mites.