How to keep home free of air pollution

DEAR READERS: Yes, the air in your home can get polluted from dust, mold, mites, mildew, animal dander, insects and bacteria. Take these steps to limit or eliminate indoor air pollution.

A Control the humidity in your house by keeping it between 30 and 50 percent. Dampness is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, bacteria and insects, so it’s essential to keep everything as dry as you can. Also ventilate the attic and crawl space.

A Clean and dust your home often to get rid of dust mites, animal dander and pollen. Vacuum carpets and drapes frequently.

A Open the windows and air out your house when you can. Bring fresh air into your house.

A Hire a pro to examine the heating and air conditioning systems annually to make certain they are in the best working condition possible.

DEAR READERS: As we know all too well, our houses are jammed with cords of all kinds, particularly with all the new technology. It’s important to inspect all these cords a couple of times a year.

Examine kitchen appliances and lamp cords closely to make certain they are not frayed or damaged in any way. Toss them out if they are.

Check all the cords relating to your computer. Be sure to clean the floors and dust cords frequently. Keep your nosy pets away from your home computer areas, because they could bite, unplug or play with them.

Warning: Never run cords under rugs; it could create a fire hazard.

DEAR READERS: When we exercise we sweat, and our clothes stink. Here’s the best way to clean your activewear.

Turn it inside out, where most of the grime and stink is, then pour a small amount of fullstrength laundry detergent right on the underarm area and rub in. Wash as you usually do.

Then, when you take the exercise clothes out of the washing machine, sniff again to be sure the underarm odor is gone. If not, dab a bit of household vinegar on the area and wait a couple of minutes, then wash it a second time and air-dry.

DEAR READERS: Grease or oil cooking fires sometimes happen in kitchens. Act quickly to control this emergency.

If you see small flames, try to turn off the stove. Then move back away from it and toss a handful of baking soda on the base of the flames. Add more, if necessary. If possible, put a large metal lid on top of the cooking pan. But if the fire grows bigger, get out of the kitchen and call 911.