He is the first North American pontiff to be elected leader of the Catholic Church
Are you a compulsive cleaner? Maybe not. But there are surely times when you put off tidying up, and that's fine. The problem is when procrastination takes over, so does the dust and... well, other things that you're about to find out about. Have you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped cleaning the house? While the thought of a life without vacuuming and scrubbing may seem tempting, it’s worth thinking about the negative effects of neglecting housework, or not hiring a bit of help. Cleaners can literally be lifesavers—and that's no exaggeration. Doubts? Concerns? Or maybe you just can't wait to show this gallery to your 'easy-going' roommate/spouse/children/friends? Click on for more.
So, you're not dusting or vacuuming? Wonderful! In no time at all your home will become a paradise for allergens and the 'little Wild West' of fuzzy dust balls and dust mites. These microscopic critters feed on dead skin cells that you and other family members shed throughout the day.
A bug's gotta do what a bug's gotta to do for a living, but do you want it to crash at your house? In no time a lot of these mites will be living in your furniture, carpets, bedding and your helpless teddy bear. They can be a serious problem for people with allergies or asthma.
Dust mites are a common cause of year-round allergies and asthma symptoms. Keeping your house clean will reduce these allergy symptoms.
Mold is a sneaky little fungus that multiplies by light airborne spores. It loves to set up camp in damp places like bathrooms, laundry areas, and leaky window sills. This is all prime real estate for your freeloading, unwelcome guest.
To remove mold, clean the affected area with products such as bleach, borax, or simply vinegar. A gentle brush is your best friend as you scrub until the mold is gone.
A messy living space means a higher risk of tripping and falling... and the Lego brick under your foot's got to hurt! These accidents can lead to serious injuries, especially if you fall down stairs or step on broken glass.
Rotting garbage attracts flies and other creepy crawlies that love to feast on your unwanted food. Take the trash out every day, otherwise bugs and worms will move in.
Make sure that your bins are regularly sanitized. Have an effective waste management system and again, make a point of hauling out the trash.
Sheets must be laundered weekly or at most, every two weeks. Otherwise you'll be sharing your bed with dust mites, dirt, hair, body oils, and much more...
Wash your bedding and sheets with soap and water at a temperature of at least 130°F (60°C) to kill off all the nasty stuff. It may seem like a hassle, but you'll sleep better in a clean bed.
To make cleaning easier, you should try to establish a regular routine. Take 15-20 minutes a day to tidy up. Remember: the longer you wait to clean, the harder it will be when the time comes.
Develop the habit of promptly cleaning to make your tasks easier and less overwhelming. If you have less dirt to scrub, cleaning becomes faster and more efficient.
If you have a pet, it can make your mess even worse. You must always remember to take care of pet hair and, er, accidents. If you don't take care of cleaning, it will only make your home worse for both of you.
If you return to a tidy house with a well-made bed and clean dishes, it will put you more at ease than a couch full of dirty clothes. A messy house is more likely to stress you out.
Don't forget your leftovers. If you just leave them in the pantry or fridge, mold will grow. Temperature, humidity, oxygen, water, and acidity are also factors that can promote mold growth in the place where you store your food.
If you stop cleaning your house, you're in for a treat of spoiled food. Not only is that repulsive, but you're also throwing money down the drain.
Studies have shown that clutter makes it difficult to concentrate on a task and reduces productivity. Regular tidying can therefore help you to think with a clearer head.
In addition to asthma symptoms, skin irritation or dermatitis may occur, especially due to unclean bed sheets. Regular vacuuming, wet mopping, dusting and washing can alleviate these problems.
If you don't clean your fridge, spilled and forgotten food creates an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow. Do you want to store your food there?
It is important that you clean your fridge thoroughly to remove hidden bacteria. Also remember to throw away any nasty smelling items to avoid unpleasant odors.
Clutter is not only unpleasant, but also the ideal habitat for small animals and critters. Why? Because it provides them with shelter and even food, depending on how messy you are.
OK, you don't want to live in a hospital-sterile environment. But when you have friends or family over, it's good manners to vacuum and tidy up.
Apart from allergies, living in a messy and dirty house can also make you seriously ill. For example, mold can make you sick, and critters carry germs and many diseases.
No dusting? No cleaning? Sounds relaxing, but air ducts and ventilation systems can get clogged with dust and dirt. The accumulated dust can circulate in the air and cause allergies and respiratory problems.
To improve the quality of the air in your house, you can reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants by ventilating your home with fresh air and using air purifiers to filter indoor air.
A messy home can trigger many negative feelings such as anxiety and even depression. It can be difficult to find the real reason for these feelings, but a tidy home can help to alleviate them.
Bathrooms may seem self-cleaning, but they are not. Mold tends to grow on the tiles and grout in the bathroom, so you should try to clean them weekly.
You may not be aware of the various odors in your household, especially if you have been exposed to them for a long time. However, it is a fact that your home will start to smell disgusting if you neglect to clean it.
Where do the unpleasant odors in your house come from? It can be from food waste, garbage, trash cans, wet clothes, unwanted moisture, shower drains, and even pets. Does a good clean-up sound like a good idea to you now?
Sources: (Bustle) (Showbiz Cheat Sheet)
The hidden dangers of an unclean home
Dust, critters, and odors galore!
LIFESTYLE Hygiene
Are you a compulsive cleaner? Maybe not. But there are surely times when you put off tidying up, and that's fine. The problem is when procrastination takes over, so does the dust and... well, other things that you're about to find out about. Have you ever wondered what would happen if you stopped cleaning the house? While the thought of a life without vacuuming and scrubbing may seem tempting, it’s worth thinking about the negative effects of neglecting housework, or not hiring a bit of help. Cleaners can literally be lifesavers—and that's no exaggeration. Doubts? Concerns? Or maybe you just can't wait to show this gallery to your 'easy-going' roommate/spouse/children/friends? Click on for more.