Nobody likes being sick, which is why it’s important to take the necessary precautions to reduce your risk of illness. One way that you can do this is by cleaning your house more frequently. It’s not a task that people enjoy doing, but it will help keep you healthy this winter when detrimental germs are in full force. There are many benefits to thorough housecleaning and maintaining a pleasant home is only one of them. Protecting your health from common hazards is at the top of the list. Here are some tips.

Germs Are Everywhere

While you might like to think that your home is clean, there are probably germs all over the place. Just because you’ve cleared up the clutter, that doesn’t mean you don’t have germs on surfaces like your countertops, floors, and toilets, according to Surrey Cleaning Angels. Some areas obviously have more germs than others, but it’s a good idea to give everything a good sanitary wipe down at least once per week. Focus more deliberately on surfaces in your bathroom and kitchen.

Cleaning Dangerous Substances

If you reside in a warmer climate, it may also have high humidity, and homes in humid environments are often subject to mold infestations. This can be a serious health hazard, especially if the problem is with black mold. Do not take this lightly. If you’re living in an older home, there could be other issues with lead or asbestos that you’re unaware of. According to Abels & Annes, asbestos was a common building material for many older homes before the 1970s. These things might be lurking in an attic or basement or even inside the walls. A professional can help you do a thorough assessment. Once you discover any of these issues, the problem should be addressed right away. Don’t tackle a mold or asbestos remediation project on your own if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Indoor Air Quality

According to Harvard Health, the quality of the air in your home affects your health greatly. If you have a lot of dust, dander, pollen and mold spores in your indoor air, it can cause some illnesses and exacerbate others. Allergies and asthma are in the latter category. It’s important to change your furnace filter routinely to reduce harmful particulates. You can also run an air purifier.

A few very simple cleaning tasks can go a long way toward keeping you and your family well. If everyone pitches in, you’ll have a healthy home that also looks inviting.