Having a clean home helps to discourage unwanted pests and eliminate allergens such as mold, dust mites, and mildew which may trigger asthma attacks.

Keeping our homes clean may help to reduce the number of colds and other illness our family experiences.

Cleaning helps to remove germs! A clean home is also pleasant to live in. The following tips can help you maintain a clean home.

Food and Kitchen Areas

• Limit food consumption to areas that are easily cleaned. Although it is fun to snack in family rooms and bedrooms, eating food in non-dining areas may increase the amount of unnoticed food crumbs and spills, especially by children.

Food debris may attract pests such as cockroaches and ants to your home.

Dishes and food containers left out are not only unsightly, but may also attract pests as well.

• Wash all dishes or put them in the dishwasher. Help small children with their dishes to help foster good cleaning habits.

• Wipe and sanitize counter areas after cooking and serving food to reduce the amount of food debris in kitchen.

• Sweep daily to remove food crumbs, and mop weekly to ensure a clean floor.

Bathrooms

• Clean and sanitize bathrooms with household bleach or a cleaning product containing bleach to remove mold and mildew from surfaces.

Keep shower door or curtain open to allow bathing area to dry. Mold and mildew need a moisture source in order to grow.

Living Areas and Bedrooms

• Picking up living areas and bedrooms daily helps to reduce clutter. A clean home is not only a pleasure to live in, but is also less likely to attract pests.

• Eliminate stacks of mail, newspapers and magazines. Stacks of paper may accumulate dust and serve as a hiding place for household pests such as cockroaches.

• Vacuum all carpeted areas and upholstered furniture weekly.

If a member of the household suffers from asthma or allergies, the home should be vacuumed every few days to reduce the amount of allergens that accumulate in the carpeting.

• Dust weekly to reduce the amount of allergens in home.

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to help remove allergens.

In general

• Remember NEVER to mix any chemicals or cleaners together! Poisonous fumes may develop when chemicals or cleaners are mixed together.

• Remember to store all chemicals and cleaners in their original containers.

• Keep all chemicals and cleaners stored safely away from children.

• Read all product labels and carefully follow directions.

For more information and other helpful tips, contact Diane at (912) 871-0504 or dianem@uga.edu.

Also, visit the HOME OWNERSHIP FAIR at the Statesboro Mall on Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.