Keeping your home clean is no easy chore, but is very important for your health. Dust is not just dead skin and hair, it often contains chemical residues and metals like lead and mercury. You can protect yourself from the toxics in dust by:

• Removing footwear at the door
• Vacuuming (with a HEPA filter if you can) and wet mop weekly
• Decluttering, or moving decorations/books/other items that gather dust into closed display cabinets or sealed bins
• Dusting regularly using a damp cloth (no wipes or sprays needed!) where possible.

Is there mould in your home? If you can see it or smell it, don’t ignore it. Exposure to mould can cause symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other health problems. Some people are very sensitive to mould. You can take action against mould:

• Prevent mould growth by controlling moisture. Use a bathroom fan that exhausts outside, a dehumidifier, and fix leaks to prevent excessive moisture
• Small areas (less than 1 metre by 1 metre) can be cleaned on your own using dish detergent or vinegar
• Large areas of mould, or mould that keeps returning after you’ve cleaned it up may require a professional

Commercial cleaning products can add pollution to your indoor air. You can make your own cleaners with items you probably have already: water, dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda can tackle most household chores.