Vacuum often
Vacuuming is an easy way to reduce chemical exposure and common allergens in your home. Household dust contains many ingredients that you would expect like pet dander, dead skin, tracked-in soil, and dust mites. However, industrial chemicals like flame retardants, pesticides and heavy metals are also lurking in those dust bunnies. This is troubling in general, but especially for those of us who have young kids who are crawling, putting everything in their mouths, etc.
The easiest way to reduce these contaminants is with a well-maintained HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter vacuum. This type of filter ensures the tiniest particles get caught and don’t flow out of the vacuum’s exhaust system back into the air. Ideally, you want to vacuum once a week and you can vacuum both carpet and hardwood. If you have the right attachment, you can also vacuum upholstered furniture to minimize dust from flame-retardant treated foam. For surfaces that you can’t vacuum, you can dust with a damp cloth.⠀