The Home Interior Blog

Because they’re spread out on the floor, rugs and mats become the catchall for dirt and dust, and skin cells and falling hair, and a favorite haunt of disease-causing dust mites and molds. Here’s how to keep those rugs and mats clean.

Synthetic rugs

If you have a vacuum cleaner, run it over synthetic rugs at least once a week. You may also bring the rug outside and expose it to the sun. The sun’s heat helps kill the colonies of dust mites that make their homes in the material and lay their eggs there.

A practical way of cleaning rugs is beating them like people used to do before vacuum cleaners were invented. Just make sure to do this a safe distance from the house so the dust doesn’t float back inside, and make sure the windows closest to the area are closed.

Mats made of natural fibers

This type of mats collects less dust than those made of cotton and synthetic fibers. Sweep away dirt and dust, then shake and beat the mats outside. For this task, wear a face mask for protection.

A professional cleaner must be called in once or twice a year so that Persian carpets or wall-to-wall carpeting can be given a thorough cleaning.

For stain removals, clean up the stain immediately – don’t wait even a day! To remove a rug stain, spray a stain remover around the stain, then using a plastic spoon (not a brush as this will just spread the stain), sweep the remover and the foam it creates inward (not outward as this will also spread the stain farther), and scoop up as much of the foam as possible. Dab up the rest with a paper towel or vacuum it.

Bathroom mats

Soap scum, shampoo residue, and body oils left unclean encourage growth of mold and mildew. Keep them at bay by hanging up the mat on the shower rod or on a plastic hanger outside for some sunning after everyone has washed up for the day. Leave the bathroom door open to let the floor dry completely.

To clean rubber mats, scrub with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water then rinse out and hang up to dry. You may also substitute vinegar for the bleach.

Kids’ interlocking rubber foam play mats

Remove the mat from time to time to sweep up dirt and dust that may have accumulated underneath. To wash pieces that have been spilled on or peed on, use a soft bristle brush and regular powder detergent. Rinse the pieces thoroughly then line them up in the shade against a wall outside to drain the water. Excessive exposure to heat may cause the mat pieces to deteriorate or shrink. Reassemble when thoroughly dry.

Mildew, the bane of most households especially during the rainy season, announces its presence with its black, powdery spotting and musty, damp odor. It can spread anywhere that’s damp or warm or with little air circulation.

The best way to check mildew: Get rid of dampness, enhance ventilation, and make sure exhaust fans are installed in enclosed areas. By keeping the house properly airy, condensation from water vapor is avoided. Mildew is thus left with no damp place to call its home. Prevent mildew from having a foothold in your home with the following tips.

In the closet

- Leave closet doors and dresser drawers occasionally open to air out the interior.

- Be sure clothing is dry before putting it in storage.

- Keep items where they will not get damp. Use bags or bins made of plastic.

- If there is a light bulb in your closet, leave it switched on for some time to heat the air in your closet.

- Use silica gel or cedar blocks to absorb moisture. Place on closet shelf or hang in a cotton bag. You could also use talcum powder, baking soda, corn meal, or cornstarch.

- Avoid putting damp clothing on cement floor. Cement is porous, and getting rid of mildew stains on it is very difficult.

- Dirty clothing should be dry before being tossed in the hamper. Wash clothing and household items before storing.

- Air out tents and sleeping bags before putting in storage. Protect them with regular cleaning and application of mildew-resistant sprays.

- Treat awnings and tents with fungicides before using.

In the bathroom

- Wipe down walls after taking a shower.

- Use an exhaust fan to promote air circulation and quick drying of damp areas.

- Open the bathroom door and window to help dry out the bathroom.

- Stretch the shower curtain out to dry after taking a bath.

- Drain the bathtub thoroughly after use. Mop up residual moisture with a dry towel.

- Clean the bathroom regularly, paying special attention to the tiling and grout.

In the kitchen

- Even just a little dirt or dried food will promote mildew growth. Regular kitchen cleanups will help prevent mildew from taking root.

- Turn on your exhaust fans while cooking.

- Mop up spills after food preparation and cooking.

- Clean up grease splatters on walls.

If you’ve seen the television or the newspaper recently, you probably noticed a recent trend. Everyone seems to constantly be talking about air purifiers and cleaners, but you probably don’t understand why there is so much fuss. They seem like just another fad to get people to throw away their money on something they don’t need. You’ve seen all the commercials for them and you can’t see any reason to buy one for yourself. They’re just a waste of money and space, right? Wrong!

Believe it or not, air purifiers and cleaners really can change your life. With them, the air you breathe will be as pure as it possibly can. Your lifestyle and health will improve through use of this new technology. These and more are what makes it convincing to install an air purifier or cleaner, so let’s take a closer look at these benefits to show you why you should purchase one of these devices for yourself.

In an official study done by the US government, it was revealed that pollution levels inside the home can be twice or even up to five times as strong as they are outside, given the special density of interior air. Most people spend more time inside than outside, so this is really a concern to note. Pollutants from outside your home could be concentrated 8-10 times once you get past your front door.

This fact will not go very well with your air purifier or cleaner, which will do something about it. Moreover, not having an air purifier or cleaner will be even worse for you. Without them, pollution can come into our bodies and affect us through all sorts of allergies – smoke, dust, fumes, pollen, dander, mites and many other things. If you suffer from fatigue, sinus irritations, sneezing bouts, sleep disorders, these may be due to your home’s pollution.

The point is, you should absolutely buy an air purifier or cleaner. Though they might seem unnecessary or expensive, they will always pay off in helping you live a healthier life and doing the same for your family. Whatever you might think about installing one now, after you have, you will soon notice and appreciate the difference. Some devices are more trouble than they’re worth, but these are definitely not among them. Good luck, and remember – you can put a price on a better life!