Cleaning Tips For A Healthy House

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Cleaning Tips For A Healthy House (NAPSA)—The right kind of vacuum could help families keep a clean bill of health. That’s the newsfrom scientists who now say that in addition to harboring dust mites and other microcontaminants, a typical home’s floors and rugs have more bacteria on them than the kitchen counter and eventhetoilet seat. The bacteria, along with a number of germs and viruses, is often tracked in from the outside on people’s feet and on pets and generally can’t be sucked up by conventional vacuums. Flu, colds and other ailments have been linked to viruses sometimes found in the home, and—equally concerning—the National Center for Health Statistics warns that dust mites are one of the leading causes of indoor allergies, in particular asthma. Protecting Families A new type of vacuum called the Oreck Halo cleans floors and rugs while killing more than 99 percent of many common germs as well as bacteria, viruses, allergens and mold on flooring surfaces. Instead of using chemicals, it projects a safe and powerful beam of ultraviolet light—the same UVC technology that safely and effectively disinfects drinking water and sterilizes operating rooms— downward and outward at an intensity that will not harm any type of floor or carpet but that will kill contaminants. And to help control allergies and asthma, it has disposable HEPA dust filter bags that trap 99.95 percent of the dirt and germ particles that the vacuum kills and suctions from carpets. There are ways while you vacuum to kill the germs that live on floors. The technology was tested by Dr. Charles P. Gerba from the University of Arizona, as well as Dr. Stanley Kikkert, the biotechnology program director at Mesa Community College, who usedit to kill strands of E. coli and other bacteria. Healthy Cleaning As more families look for natural ways to fight germs and allergens, UV-C light has become increasingly popular in household products ranging from toothbrush holders to knife blocks. Other chemical-free ways to keep microorganismsat bay include: e Air It Out—Open a few windows. The American Lung Association says circulating air can help prevent mold growth. e Water Works—Aportable steam cleaner can blast germs and mildew off of bathroom walls and tile grout. Zap It—Two minutes in the microwave could disinfect your kitchen sponge, according to a study in the Journal of Environmental Health. Just be sure the sponge has cooled before you handleit. For more information, visit www.oreck.com.

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