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Video Transcript:
Frequent vacuuming and damp dusting are important cleaning techniques. The idea is to reduce the amount of allergens in your home.
A High Efficiency Particulate Air, or “HEPA,”vacuum cleaner,which has a canister or a bag,, will capture and retain more dust compared to a non-HEPA vacuum. HEPA vacuums can also remove common household allergens, such as dust mites, mold spores, pollen and pet dander. HEPA vacuums use special filters that remove more than 99 percent of particles that have a diameter of approximately point three microns in size or greater.
To put this into context, mold spores range in size from 2 to 100 microns. Non-HEPA vacuums use filters that cannot capture this size spore as efficiently as vacuums with HEPA filters.
But it is important that the HEPA filter is positioned correctly in order to work properly, and not further release allergens, into the air.
Routine inspection and maintenance is also important to ensure that a vacuum is working correctly. Since all vacuums operate a little differently, refer to the owner’s manual for instructions on how to maintain a specific vacuum.
But for any vacuum cleaner to work efficiently, and ensure proper air flow,it is important to empty the vacuum bag or canister when it is half full. Care must be taken when removing the bag, or canister, to keep the dust and particulate levels to a minimum.
Now, let’s talk about the proper way to vacuum. When vacuuming a room use a slow, repetitive, back and forth motion in an overlapping sequence. Remember, dust builds up underneath furniture, so periodically,move the furniture to vacuum these areas. Dust can also build up in corners and crevices so pay particular attention to reach hard to get areas. A special crevis tool that is included with most vacuums can be helpful .
Along with vacuuming, regular damp dusting is needed to reduce dust levels in a room. Let me show you some tips on how to damp dust.
“Damp dusting” allows you to pick up more of the dust in a room. All that is involved is cleaning the surfaces with a damp cloth or paper towel and a green cleaning agent.
To minimize exposure to the chemicals in cleaning products use water and green cleaners as your cleaning agent.
Now, instead of spraying the product into the air pour the cleaning product directly on to the cloth or paper towel. Then, dust the surface.
With damp dusting, more of the dust adheres to the rag instead of circulating in the air.
When you are done, the dusty towel can be discarded in the trash. Just take care not to dislodge any of the “captured” dust and allergens into the air.
For more information on HEPA vacuum cleaners, damp dusting, or green products be sure to check the Resource Section of this site.