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How to live dust-free in Sydney

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Do you ever think about dust? What about air pollution? Living in a busy and vibrant city like Sydney, we sometimes neglect other aspects of our daily lives that are important to improving our quality of life, like having a healthy, dust-free home. When we think about air pollution, we rarely consider the indoor air pollution in the area where we spend most of our lives – our homes.

At 1800 CLEANER, when we talk about dust-free cleaning challenges, we refer to small habits of order and cleanliness that can transform our quality of life. We primarily focus on your indoor air quality and your dream of living in a dust-free house.

1800 CLEANER understands the problem of how hard it is to remove fine particle dust well. Further, we know how to tackle those spaces in our homes that we may not pay enough attention to when cleaning ourselves. Therefore, these dirty corners become spaces that accumulate dust, clutter, and stagnant energy. After a considerable amount of time without cleaning and tidying these spaces, micro-biotoxins can accumulate and begin to cause damage to our health. This article details the adverse effects on our health if we live in an unhealthy environment.

Top five dust-free cleaning challenges we must overcome to keep our homes impeccable all year round:

High-traffic areas

The busiest spaces in houses, such as entrances, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms, can collect significant amounts of dust, hair, and other particles that we bring in from the outside and the dust we can generate ourselves.

Our advice is to always try to keep these spaces tidy and clear, carry out regular dusting at least once a week, and vacuum to avoid the accumulation of hair, dust, and other particles that may settle there. Accept that much of the dust will float with traditional cleaning approaches. Therefore, consider closing all windows and doors and letting the dust settle before collecting it with a damp microfibre cloth. Then, after this, commence your cleaning routine.

Furniture

The furniture we have at home can provide challenges to our cleaning efforts. Under and behind furniture creates spaces that are very susceptible to the accumulation of dust. Places we use to store our clothes and shoes or those that we do not use regularly but serve as storage to store things that do not accompany us in everyday life present separate challenges. In a nutshell, the more stuff we have, the more places the dust can hide. So open and easy-to-clean spaces are essential.

Pay close attention to these spaces. Let’s always try to keep them organised in the most minimalist way possible and pay special attention to the high surfaces that are difficult to reach above, below and behind. Remember that the more minimalistic the spaces we live in, the better our ability to clean them regularly. With regular dusting and a microfiber cloth moistened with non-toxic cleaning products, we can reduce the accumulation of dust.

dust-free living

The challenges to living dust-free in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs by 1800 CLEANER

Mould and mildew in humid areas

Damp areas in the home, such as bathrooms and basements, especially if they do not have proper ventilation, are prone to mould and mildew growth. If we can’t achieve access to ventilation, let’s keep those areas as orderly as possible without excessive clutter accumulation. A dehumidifier can help extract excess air moisture, denuding these biotoxins of their sustenance and inhibiting their growth. Let’s pay special attention to regular cleaning with eco-friendly products.

Clutter accumulation

Keeping our belongings in order and in the right place is essential. The accumulation of objects and belongings on surfaces is not a good idea since, in this way, we tend to accumulate dust on them. These surfaces quickly turn ugly, and we avoid cleaning them well. And so the dream of a dust-free house further eludes us.

They end up generating a breeding ground for germs and micro-nasties that contribute to affecting our health. Let’s pay close attention to unnecessary objects like decorations and picture frames and ensure you can get behind the TVs and tidy router cables, dusting behind and under the furniture. These items make us hesitant to clean thoroughly, and there’s no point in having excessive decorations if they’re dirty and untidy. It defeats the purpose.

As a top dust-free cleaning challenge, let’s always try to have a house that is as minimalist as possible. Let’s reorganise the spaces and keep the things that are not helpful now in boxes. We can then archive them in a cool and safe place outside of the home. If this is impossible, put them in clear plastic stackable clutter boxes. These can then be stacked against a wall for easy moving and cleaning behind and above. In this way, we can have better control and clean more comfortably with the help of a duster, damp microfiber cloths and HEPA-grade vacuum.

Rugs and carpets cleaning

Many homes tend to have carpeted rooms. The use of rugs in rooms is also widespread. Our dust-free cleaning challenge promotes the idea that in bedrooms, try first to avoid having an excess of furniture pieces so they become inaccessible to be cleaned underneath and behind since, in general, these are the areas that accumulate the most hair, dirt, and dust. Let’s vacuum regularly in all corners of the room, under and behind the furniture and beds. We can move rugs, air them outside and vacuum them regularly.

Adopting these small, manageable habits can help with the unique challenges of cleaning at home. 1800 CLEANER is a residential cleaning company that has developed a distinctive and specialised cleaning technique with dedicated and trained cleaners and state-of-the-art cleaning equipment that captures more physical debris and airborne dust, dramatically reducing microscopic contaminant levels in your home and workplace.

 

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Dust Allergies and how to prevent them

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1800 CLEANER is a Sydney-based cleaning company that focuses on helping sufferers of dust and associated dust mite allergies. The focus on fine particle dust extraction services goes beyond simply leaving a house clean and shining. We are a company that was born out of a personal need to transform a family home into a dust-free environment. This is done for the well-being of your family and, especially, the little ones who are arriving. Don’t miss this article if you suffer from dust allergies, specifically dust mite allergies. It shows you how to improve your habits at home with the end goal of helping reduce your symptoms

Our service is committed to eliminating excessive dust that is hidden in places throughout the average home. Those places and spaces where we would never go to clean by ourselves, and in general, are spaces that can accumulate this hidden dust for years. By not seeing these microscopic particles, we do not realize that we live with particles breeding for germs and dust mites. These tiny particles cause great damage to our health if they are not combated at the root.

What are we talking about when we talk about allergies?

According to ASCIA “Allergy occurs when the immune system in a person reacts to allergens which are substances in the environment that do not cause problems for most people.  This reaction leads to inflammation (redness and swelling) that causes allergic conditions, which can affect different parts of the body”, such as:

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) which affects the nose and eyes.
  • Eczema or urticaria (hives), which affect the skin.
  • Anaphylaxis (the most severe allergic reaction) which can affect the whole body.
  • Asthma which affects the lungs.

Allergens are mostly found in house dust, dust mites and their faeces, pollen, pets, moulds, some antibiotic medicines, insect stings or bites, latex (natural rubber) and foods.”

It is important to bear in mind that many factors can lead to the development of symptoms and culminate in an allergy. It can depend on the season of the year, the area where we live, and even the jobs we do. For example, construction workers use to increase risk of exposure to big amounts of dust, specially silica dust and is very likely to come home with traces of these particles on their work clothes. Our approach is directed especially to where we spend most of our lives, especially after the COVID era: our home.

Dust Mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus CREDIT Allergy Australia

It is important to keep ourselves informed about how dust mites behave. And how they can affect us. Finally, how to prevent their spread through habits that help to cut their numbers.

Dust mites: what to know and how to combat them

House dust mites belong to the spider family and are so small and minuscule that they cannot be seen except under a microscope. They feed on dry human skin, dust accumulated in houses, and other microscopic food sources such as pollen and fungal spores.

Dust mites are very common in humid areas and thrive in constant warm temperatures, which is why they are more common in coastal areas of Australia than in the interior of our country, the drier areas. Dust mite allergy is a common result of excessive dust in the home.

They mainly live in the layers of dust that have settled in houses, especially in the most crowded or well-travelled spaces. Previously, we mentioned that they feed on dead skin cells, so it is very likely that they are in our beds and surroundings, whether they are curtains, furniture, or carpets. If you suffer from a dust mite allergy, there’s good news for you.

1800 CLEANER recommendations

1800 CLEANER understands very well where these little beings are, how they behave and breed and knows the most effective and safe methods for alleviating the presence and preponderance of dust mites in our homes. To find out more, we recommend that you read this article where we tell you the main tips to take into account when fighting these little enemies, including:

  • Wash sheets, pillows cases and other bedding weekly in hot water
  • Cover mattress, pillow and quilt with dust-mite-resistant covers
  • Consider replacing carpets with hard floors
  • Vacuum carpets weekly: HEPA filter vacuum cleaner may remove more allergen than a regular vacuum cleaner.
  • Reduce humidity: have a dry and well-ventilated house
  • Venetian blinds or flat blinds are easier to clean than curtains
  • Use a damp or electrostatic cloth to dust hard surfaces.
  • Try to keep your pets out of your home as they are a major source of allergens.
  • If you have external environmental allergies, remain at home (when possible) during the pollen seasons. This is particularly true on windy days, after thunderstorms or during bush fires.
  • Removing visible mould by cleaning with non-toxic products.
  • Consider a no-shoe policy at home.
  • Try live a minimalist life with lots of open and easy to clean surfaces.
  • Hire professional “dust-free” oriented cleaners once a year to conduct a spring clean

In conclusion, you deserve to live dust-free

Unfortunately, dust mites can not be completely eliminated from our homes. But we don’t need to remove every dust mite to alleviate dust mite allergies. It’s important to keep yourself informed about how they behave, how they affect us and how to prevent their spread. It all starts at home through the development of wise cleaning habits such as minimalism and open easy-to-clean surfaces. This can help alleviate the painful symptoms of living with dust mite allergies. We can work to keep their presence under control and focus on the care of our home through efficient cleaning methods. And once a year to call in trained professionals to conduct a focussed “dust-extraction oriented” spring clean.

Article by Lucila of 1800 CLEANER.

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Winter is coming – how to get your home ready

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by Michael Sweet | 1800 CLEANER

Why dust allergy cleaning is essential

Winter is approaching, and as you spend more time indoors, ensuring your home is safe, clean, and healthy is vital—especially if you or a loved one suffers from dust allergies. At 1800 CLEANER, we specialize in dust allergy cleaning, using our scientifically developed 21-Point spring clean to remove 97% of fine dust particles down to 30 microns. Traditional cleaning often leaves floating dust due to static electricity, exacerbating symptoms, but our method eliminates this dust-drop effect, creating a dust-free home cleaning environment. As client Cindy shared, “I have an asthmatic son who had instant relief… after the clean.” This article outlines four key steps to prepare your Sydney home for winter, explores the impact of dust allergies, and highlights how our professional allergy cleaners can help. Let’s make your home a cozy, healthy sanctuary this winter.

Dust allergies affect millions, with Asthma Australia reporting that 20% of Australians experience allergic reactions to dust mites. Therefore, effective dust management is crucial for your well-being.

The hidden dangers of dust allergies

Dust isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a health hazard, especially in winter when indoor time increases. Specifically, house dust contains microscopic allergens like dust mite fecal particles, pollen, and mould spores. For instance, these irritants can trigger asthma, eczema, hay fever, sneezing, watery eyes, and even depression. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, dust mites thrive in humid climates like Sydney’s, with populations peaking in winter. A study by Macquarie University cited by Linknovate notes that a single square meter of carpet can house up to 100,000 dust mites. Consequently, untreated dust can lead to respiratory issues and a compromised immune system, increasing illness risk. As Michael Sweet, founder of 1800 CLEANER, explains, “Dust particles are so small we can’t see them, yet they impact our lives dramatically.” Therefore, addressing dust allergies with a scientific approach is essential for a healthy winter.

The dust-drop effect: Why traditional cleaning fails

Traditional cleaning methods often worsen dust allergies by leaving floating dust behind. Specifically, the “dust-drop effect” occurs when fine dust particles, disturbed during cleaning, become charged with static electricity. For example, these particles float for up to five days before resettling, as 1800 CLEANER’s research shows. Consequently, traditional cleaning fails to remove these allergens, leaving them to trigger symptoms like sneezing or asthma. Client Sophie Cangadis observed, “I tried to get photos where you’d normally see dust particles floating… it’s totally clear and my airways are eternally grateful!” At 1800 CLEANER, our dust allergy cleaning uses negative ionizers to counteract static charges, making dust clump and drop for capture by HEPA vacuums. This 21-Point spring clean ensures a dust-free environment, unlike traditional methods that leave allergens floating in the air. Therefore, our approach delivers lasting relief for allergy sufferers.

Step 1: Clean your carpets to reduce allergens

Carpets are a breeding ground for dust mites, especially in winter when humidity rises. Specifically, dust mites feed on human skin scales, thriving in carpet fibers if left unchecked. A single square meter of carpet can harbor up to 100,000 dust mites, according to Macquarie University research. These mites produce allergens that can trigger asthma, affecting 2.7 million Australians, per Asthma Australia. Consequently, regular carpet cleaning is essential to reduce dust allergies. At 1800 CLEANER, we use a powerful HEPA-Air industrial-grade vacuum to remove loose dirt and dust from carpets. For built-in grime, we offer carpet shampooing, ensuring a deep clean that traditional methods can’t achieve. Client Johnathon Perkins praised, “Years of dust gone in one clean… could not recommend more!!” Therefore, our dust-free home cleaning process keeps your carpets allergen-free, creating a healthier winter environment.

Anti-Bacterial-HEPA-filters

Anti-Bacterial HEPA filters clean the air as we clean the house.

Step 2: Improve indoor air quality with scientific cleaning

Spending more time indoors during winter increases exposure to dust and pollutants, which can cause allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues. Specifically, indoor air can be three times more polluted than outdoor air, as reported by Bond Cleaning Sunshine Coast. This is particularly concerning for dust allergy sufferers, as allergens like dust mites and mould spores accumulate in enclosed spaces. At 1800 CLEANER, we improve air quality using anti-bacterial HEPA filters and negative ionizers, removing 97% of fine dust down to 30 microns. Our ionizers infuse the air with negative ions, boosting serotonin levels to reduce stress and enhance well-being, as our methodology explains. Client Dr. Rachel Mascord shared, “I can breathe freely again… the home smells and feels fresh and clean.” Therefore, our professional allergy cleaners ensure your indoor air is clean, healthy, and toxin-free throughout winter.

Step 3: Reduce clutter to eliminate dust traps

Clutter creates hidden dust traps, making your home feel cramped and congested, especially in winter. Specifically, dust loves to cling to cluttered surfaces like bookshelves, unwashed curtains, and untouched furniture, as 1800 CLEANER’s research highlights. For instance, these areas become breeding grounds for dust mites, which can exacerbate allergies. Moreover, clutter makes it difficult to clean effectively, allowing allergens to build up. This can drain your energy and enthusiasm, impacting your mental health. A WebMD study linked seasonal allergies to clinical depression, showing the broader impact of dust. At 1800 CLEANER, we offer decluttering and organizing services to maximize open surfaces, reducing dust accumulation. Client Ann O’Brien noted, “I feel confident… it will certainly be more pleasant without all the dust.” Therefore, reducing clutter with our dust allergy cleaning services creates a functional, dust-free space for winter.

Step 4: Keep your home clean with regular maintenance

Dust accumulates quickly in winter, especially with closed windows reducing ventilation. Specifically, fine dust particles can resettle within days due to the dust-drop effect, as our research shows. This is particularly problematic for dust allergy sufferers, as allergens like dust mites can trigger symptoms rapidly. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain a healthy home environment. At 1800 CLEANER, our dust-free home cleaning services include weekly or fortnightly schedules tailored to your needs. We recommend starting with a 21-Point spring clean before winter, which removes 97% of fine dust, followed by our 12-Point clean for maintenance. Client Brett Ross praised this approach: “Outstanding job… see you now on a fortnightly basis.” We can also add window cleaning or carpet shampooing as needed. Therefore, our regular cleaning ensures your home stays dust-free and healthy all winter.

The health impact of dust allergies: Statistics and risks

Dust allergies pose significant health risks, especially in winter. Specifically, 20% of Australians are allergic to dust mites, per Asthma Australia, affecting over 5 million people. Dust mites produce allergens that trigger asthma, impacting 2.7 million Australians, and eczema, affecting 1 in 10 adults. A WebMD study also linked seasonal allergies to clinical depression, showing allergy sufferers are more vulnerable to mental health issues. Moreover, fine dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory disorders and weakening the immune system, increasing illness risk during winter. Client Cindy’s experience reflects this: “I have an asthmatic son who had instant relief… after the clean.” At 1800 CLEANER, our professional allergy cleaners address these risks by removing dust mites and allergens, ensuring a healthier home environment.

How 1800 CLEANER’s 21-Point spring clean works

Our 21-Point spring clean is a scientifically developed solution for dust allergy sufferers. Specifically, it removes 97% of fine dust down to 30 microns—particles 1/30th the width of a human hair. For instance, we use negative ionizers to counteract static electricity, making dust clump and drop instead of floating, addressing the dust-drop effect. Additionally, anti-bacterial HEPA filters and a systematic cleaning sequence capture dust mites, pollen, and mould spores. This includes thorough dusting of ceilings, walls, blinds, and furniture, as well as vacuuming under beds and shampooing carpets. Consequently, this creates a visually and sensually spectacular environment, as client Patricia Lynch described, “The air was CLEAN… the cleanliness was palpable.” Moreover, negative ions infused during cleaning boost serotonin levels, reducing stress and enhancing well-being. Therefore, our 21-Point spring clean ensures a truly dust-free home for winter.

Benefits of a dust-free home in winter

A dust-free home offers numerous benefits, especially in winter. Specifically, it reduces allergens like dust mites, pollen, and mould spores, alleviating symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and asthma. For instance, client Sophie Cangadis noted, “It was such a relief to come home and breathe in clean air… my airways are eternally grateful!” Consequently, this improves respiratory health and strengthens your immune system during cold months. Moreover, a dust-free environment enhances mental well-being, reducing stress and depression linked to allergies, as per WebMD findings. Additionally, a clean home feels more spacious and inviting, boosting your mood while you cozy up indoors. At 1800 CLEANER, our dust-free home cleaning process ensures these benefits, making your winter more comfortable and healthy.

Why choose 1800 CLEANER for dust allergy cleaning?

At 1800 CLEANER, we bring over 35 years of experience and 80,000 completed jobs to every service. Specifically, our scientific approach sets us apart, using non-toxic, eco-friendly products like ecoLove™ to ensure safety for you and your family. Client Sasha Hanic appreciated, “I hate chemicals… I couldn’t be happier!” Moreover, our 24-hour guarantee ensures satisfaction, and our tailored schedules fit your needs. As client Brett Hlywa shared, “The air is dust-free & fresh… very much appreciated.” We serve all of Sydney, from the Inner West to the Eastern Suburbs, prioritizing medical situations like dust allergies. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in client feedback, such as Dr. Rachel Mascord’s, “The home smells and feels fresh and clean.” Therefore, choosing our professional allergy cleaners ensures a healthier, dust-free home this winter.

Frequently asked questions about dust allergies

What causes dust allergies in the home?

Dust allergies are caused by microscopic allergens like dust mite fecal particles, pollen, and mould spores, which accumulate in carpets, furniture, and cluttered spaces, triggering reactions.

How does dust affect health during winter?

Dust worsens asthma, eczema, and respiratory issues, especially in winter when indoor exposure increases. It can also contribute to depression, as linked by WebMD studies, affecting mental health.

Why does traditional cleaning fail to remove dust?

Traditional cleaning disturbs fine dust, causing it to float due to static electricity. This dust-drop effect means allergens resettle days later, remaining in the air to cause symptoms.

How does 1800 CLEANER’s cleaning method help?

Our 21-Point spring clean uses negative ionizers and HEPA filters to remove 97% of fine dust down to 30 microns, eliminating the dust-drop effect for a dust-free home.

Can I reduce dust allergies on my own?

You can reduce dust by decluttering, using HEPA-filtered vacuums, and damp cloths, but professional cleaning like ours ensures a deeper, more effective removal of fine dust particles.

What our clients say about 1800 CLEANER

Our clients consistently praise the transformative impact of our services. Client Sophie Cangadis shared, “It was such a relief to come home and breathe in clean air… my airways are eternally grateful!” Similarly, Cindy noted, “I have an asthmatic son who had instant relief… after the clean.” Brett Hlywa said, “The air is dust-free & fresh… I wished I’d got 1800 CLEANER in sooner.” Dr. Rachel Mascord highlighted, “I can breathe freely again… the home smells and feels fresh and clean.” Additionally, Patricia Lynch described, “The air was CLEAN… the cleanliness was palpable.” Therefore, our dust allergy cleaning services deliver measurable health benefits for our clients.

Get a free quote today

Don’t let dust allergies compromise your winter comfort. At 1800 CLEANER, our professional allergy cleaners are ready to create a dust-free, healthy home for you. Our 21-Point spring clean removes 97% of fine dust, ensuring a cozy, safe space. Fill out our form for a free quote, or call us at 1800 253 263 to schedule your cleaning. Let’s make your Sydney home a sanctuary this winter.

dust-cleaning-sydney-homes-lifestyle

Michael Sweet, founder of 1800 CLEANER | WWW.1800cleaner.com.au

Would you trust a cleaner who pays for fake reviews?

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And how can you tell the difference?

I recently got a message from a swarmy-looking dude from an indeterminable geographical location offering me 5-star Google fake reviews for my cleaning business for $3 each. It took but a nanosecond to advise that this was unethical and wholly improper.

The review process is about establishing hard-fought and won customer trust through the arduous task of cleaning houses well and consistently. How dare a bot-boy come along and offer to trick customers into trusting a competitor with such questionable ethics?

And so I went and had a look and thought, how can you tell the difference?

All is now getting so compelling, and these bot farms can churn out innumerable 5-star Google Reviews with the press of a button. How very tempting. Spend the day cleaning a house to perfection, hoping to get a five-star review while risking a negative review or paying just three bucks to guarantee a 5-star review? You can have hundreds of them in a row without risking a single negative review. The real question is, why wouldn’t you?

My only answer is that it’s wrong, immoral and unethical.

And what about articles?

How could you know if, for example, these words you are reading now were not created by the massive electronic brain we know as ChatGPT?

At my insistence, our operations manager experimented with ChatGBT.  And, within 2.3 seconds, we produced an extremely compelling article that we internally debated adopting and putting on our blog. I am so happy that within our organisation, the light won out with protestations about ethics and energy.

Though I have compelling advice from a great friend and one of SEO’s greatest thinkers that ChatGPT articles are currently being seriously considered to generate content in many leading agencies, we decided firmly against it.

And so, after much pondering within the substantive limitations of a human mind, I have gotten to a place where I believe I can discern a bot review from a real one. And interestingly, the answer for me is beyond the mind and into the body, with the key word being to feel.

Bot reviews feel a little iffy

The bot fake reviews seem great on the surface and are well-written and articulated. But after a while, they feel a little two-dimensional. Flat even. Mimicking emotions but directly describing reality. And they never have a typo! They often run in waves, one after another and tend to be short. Monotonous. They are then interspersed often with a negative review that is clearly human, brimming with emotion.

Interestingly, the bot fake reviews often have funny names and do not have a depth of review history. And they usually have less than three reviews a piece. Most often, all three reviews, when you dig deeply, will be 5-star reviews. And the picture accompanying the name will often feel off and regularly is not that of an actual, “average” human being. Indeed this is the great thing about what I discovered through this process. Whilst the human mind can never now catch up with the exponential growth of AI, the human heart is exceptional. The body can feel with a wisdom that I don’t believe will ever be matched by physical wiring, circuitry, algorithms and electricity.

Go mankind

Can a robot give you the warm hug of a child? Or can a cyborg listen to your heartfelt musings with empathy and warmth, allowing you to feel heard and thereby heal? Can a robot clean your house with love? And can a bot write a review that puts you on the right path to finding an ethical cleaning company? A cleaner whose 100th clean will be as high in quality as their second? Can a computer and an algorithm write an article with the same quirky and dysfunctional depth as a human experiencing life through the ups and downs of living within a biological body? Can an electronic being have a soul?

One thing is for sure, they sure are getting good at mimicry. Scaringly so. But I assure you a bot did not write this article.

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Michael Sweet, founder of 1800 CLEANER | WWW.1800cleaner.com.au

 

 

How often should I clean my house?

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By Michael Sweet | 1800 CLEANER

As someone who has been cleaning houses professionally for over 35 years, I believe I have found the answer to this often-asked question.

And the answer is… it all depends.

I know that simple questions like this really demand a simple answer. Yet, this is one of those questions that really does depend on several factors. It’s like asking the shoe size of a human. Well, that depends on the particular human in question. This is a nuanced situation. Let’s look at the factors determining the answer for your particular circumstance.

The first thing to consider is the dust

If you have a lot of dust, you will invariably look to clean your house at least every week.

The problem is that the very act of cleaning does not necessarily get rid of the dust. In most cases, the majority of the very fine dust we disturb through the act of cleaning will actually just be frustratingly circulated as we clean. It floats above us as we disturb these weightless particles. In fact, the fine particles of dust can stay suspended mid-air for up to 5 days.

The second thing to consider is the level of clutter

More clutter means more hidden dust to leak out and frustrate cleaning efforts and probably more dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of your home in general. It also implies that the person living in the house is less concerned with order than one who has less clutter, therefore, requiring less cleaning to achieve at here again is once per week on average. But again, the results are a return of the dust within a few days.

The next factor to consider is the environment outside the house

And the ability of those external dust-oriented pollutants, pollens and exhaust fumes to enter the house either unwittingly through open windows or surreptitiously through the micro cracks in window and door frames.

The air quality outside of the home can be poor, especially for city dwellers and those living close to busy roads. In such situations, the best bet is to improve the air quality inside the home. And then to keep it sealed off from the outside air. Consider doing this depending on which way the wind blows relative to the primary source(s) of pollution.

The number (and size) of the inhabitants in the home relative to the size of the home is also important. As an extreme example, consider a one-bedroom apartment full of four big burly bodybuilders, creating considerably more dust per square metre than a mansion occupied by one little old lady. Charles Weschler claims that humans shed their entire layer of skin every 2-4 weeks at the rate of 0.0001-0.003 ounces of skin flakes per hour. This equates to around 35 kg over the average human lifetime. That’s roughly a full teaspoon of skin flakes every week, which is the favourite food of dust mites.

The dust mites do incredibly tiny poos. And this imperceptibly small process is a major contributing factor in the accumulation of household dust. Therefore, the more people in the home relative to the size of the home will dictate a more regular cleaning requirement.

The fourth is carpet versus floorboards.

Carpet is beautiful, don’t get me wrong. It releases countless microscopic fibres that contribute to the fine dust collecting in your home, and it is also the perfect place for microscopic irritants and pollutants to hide. Over time the fibres become virtual cities for dust mites and their imperceptibly small skin.

Less carpet means less cleaning. If out of sight means out of mind to you, then the carpet shouldn’t be a massive problem. Visually at least, carpet can also hide a lot of dust in many cleans. But those with dust allergies will feel it’s effects. It’s hard to get carpets really clean as dust and dust mites can hide in the pile.

Ultimately my favourite answer to the question is to do a big spring clean once yearly. The goal is to get all the fine particle dust out you can.

This way is less dust “leaking” out of the hidden corners making your regular cleaning schedule more efficacious.

Off the back of successfully doing a dust-reducing spring clean, I would say a good regular clean can be done once every two weeks. I would do a quick mini wet area wipe each alternating weekend.

The best part of this approach for me is that with a strategy to keep the dust away, the cleaning is both quicker and more effective, leading to a much cleaner house and much more free time to enjoy it.

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Michael Sweet, founder of 1800 CLEANER| WWW.1800CLEANER.COM.AU