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Spring cleaning your attic
Spring cleaning of the attic will never be listed as one of the most entertaining ways to spend a weekend, but it is definitely an activity that will help improve your family’s health. The attic and the crawl space are probably the areas of your home with the highest concentrations of dust, dander, mildew, molds, and vermin that could be affecting your family’s breathing and allergies. In addition, the attic is also one of the most overlooked living areas in your home. A clean and remodeled attic will enable you to put some great ideas into action that will add living space to your home. The attic is not the isolated area that many people believe it to be. Allergens and irritants continually seep into your living area through heating and cooling systems, ceiling hatches, recessed lights, and openings in the walls.
Basic attic cleaning
Spring cleaning the attic requires a combination of common sense and protective equipment. Consider the following suggestions for proper attic cleaning:
- Vacuum the area with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter vacuum cleaner. HEPA vacuum systems are designed to channel the vacuumed air through a filter that is designed to remove microscopic particles.
- Vacuum or dust the walls, window frames, rafters, and ceiling. Do not forget to dust exposed roof trusses, ceiling fans, skylights, light bulbs, fixtures, hatches, and door frames.
- Be sure to wear gloves and a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) mask, which is designed to filter a high percentage of airborne particles.
- If you suffer from asthma or severe allergies, hire a professional cleaning service to remove the debris and perform the cleaning.
Keeping your attic safe
Once cleaned, it is important to take steps to prevent mold growth and to seal out insects and vermin. Consider the danger that each component presents to you and your family:
Mold: Mold is growth of microorganisms from small roof leaks and moisture that seeps in behind old caulking. Twice a year, or after every big storm, walk around your home and through your attic to inspect your roof. Be sure to check windows for missing caulking or cracked panes. If you suspect mold infestation, or can see a mold-infestation that is larger than 10 square feet, call an indoor air quality professional to assess the situation.
Dust: Dust is not as innocuous as many people believe it to be. Those tiny dust particles that you see floating in the air are comprised of dust mite particles, roach parts, and vermin dander; which consists of dried vermin saliva, urine, and feces. Concentrations of dust contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions. This is why it is important to seal up tiny cracks and openings in your roof, walls, and windows where vermin and insects can enter. Use mold resistant caulk and polyurethane foam to seal attic air leaks and to repair missing or broken ventilation screens under the eaves.
Professional spring cleaning services in Charlotte
Perhaps you require help with spring cleaning and organizing. Gloria M’s cleaning professionals are happy to help you take on any house cleaning project. They are so flexible when it comes to scheduling according to your needs. Call them today to set up a time and schedule to handle your spring cleaning project(s).