1. Asthma: Inherited or not
Asthma has always been thought of as one of those diseases that you'll get no matter what you do. Blame it on genetics. However, times have changed as we get more attuned to the poisons and toxins in the environment and the dangers they can cause. Researchers know that endotoxins, chemicals found in everyone's house, furniture and floor coverings, can inflame and even cause asthma.
2. Sleep Clean
While a clean house can certainly help to eliminate some of the distressing endotoxins, you can take additional steps to make sure you and your family do not develop any respiratory diseases like asthma. Since so much time is spent in bed, that is the first place to start. Wash sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once a week. Use allergen-resistant bed linens and change your mattress at least every ten years. For those more sensitive to asthma-causing dust, purchase a mattress with no springs, such as memory-foam or solid latex.
3. The Dust Down Below
Keep floors clean, especially when babies and toddlers spend so much time crawling on them. Children are much more susceptible to developing asthma because their immune systems are still in the growing stages. Keep the floor under beds clear so that you can dust and vacuum at least once a week. Vacuum the rest of the house every day if you have pets and a lot of traffic, or if you keep your doors and windows open. It may even be worth the investment to purchase a dry or steam carpet cleaner to run every couple of weeks.
4. Get Rid of the Carpet
Consider removing the carpet in your house, particularly if your family is predisposed to getting asthma. Wood floor and tiles do not have as much chemicals in their makeup to give off into the atmosphere and they do hold dust and dust mites as well. Thick carpets are especially notorious for hiding and saving extra dust. Even upholstered furniture is going to hold a lot more dust in the weave than vinyl or leather furniture.
5. Prevent or Treat Kitchen Surfaces
Clean all surfaces in the kitchen that could be great adherents for dust mites. Grease and grime under tables and under oven hoods are rarely cleaned, yet can hold enormous amounts of asthma inducing endotoxins. Taking the extra time to clean better in the kitchen will be a lot better and less expensive than getting shots and treatments for unhealthy respiratory conditions.
