Dust is a constant enemy of all Cypriot householders. This problem becomes especially noticeable during dust storms, which often occur in Cyprus.
At the same time, few people think about what it consists of and how harmful it is. Do you need to get rid of dust in the apartment? Is it possible to clean less often?
If household dust is given for laboratory analysis, then its results will completely change your ideas about the local dust. You will find volcanic particles, Sahara dust and the smallest sea salt. It also contains soot from forest fires, particles of human skin, wool, soil, flower pollen, yeast fungi and even "cosmic dust" - particles of stars from distant Galaxies.
Is dust dangerous?
This amazing "cocktail" of terrestrial and extraterrestrial origin is extremely interesting from a scientific point of view, but for an ordinary person, it is a problem. The point here is not only in the time and effort spent on cleaning - dust can cause allergic reactions of respiratory tract diseases, negatively affect the immune system.
Just imagine that the dust contains dozens of types of microbes. One small piece of house dust consists of more than 5 million microorganisms. Fortunately, the human body has a system of protection against the effects of dust particles. However, it helps us only if the dust concentration is not so high.
Regular wet cleaning, minimal decor, no carpets, closed windows - these are basic tips for getting rid of dust, known to all residents of Cyprus. But you can also say - in the modern world these tips do not work 100%.
We offer you several life hacks, thanks to which you can defeat the dust in the apartment quickly and for a long time.
Give up cotton bedding
Natural cotton is a gentle embrace for the skin, no doubt. It perfectly passes air and collects moisture, which is very important in Cyprus. But, unfortunately, invisible fibers of cotton thread are excellent dust collectors. The fact is that dust mites, which cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, and cause allergy attacks and bronchial asthma.
What should you do? Change the cotton bed linen to sateen. This is also a natural fabric, but it is smoother and does not retain dust.
"Give" the lamps some alcohol
In the process of total cleaning, homeowners often forget about small details that collect large lots of dust. For example, lamps or space bedside lamps. Wipe them with water with some alcohol, like Zivania.
Use wet wipes for baseboards
Behind the furniture, a layer of shaggy gray dirt often accumulates on the baseboards, which turns into pellets when cleaned with an ordinary wet rag. They stick everywhere,
Ordinary wet wipes will help to cope with this dirt. Firstly, they will instantly absorb all the dirt, and secondly, dust does not stick to the skirting boards treated in this way for a long time.
Apply the polish only on pieces of cloth
Wooden furniture in a home is an indicator of good taste and sophistication. Wood is an environmentally friendly natural material which is absolutely safe for humans. However, quality wooden furniture should be properly taken care of in order to ensure the furniture retains its beauty. In order for wooden interior items to look attractive longer and not accumulate dust, it is necessary to routinely polish them.
Apply wood polish to a piece of cloth. The most common mistake when using polish is applying the polish directly to wood. As a result, a film forms on the furniture, which attracts dust like a magnet. But if the polish is applied to a cloth first before polishing the furniture, then the desired effect will be achieved while still repelling dust and building a protective layer on the wood against the elements ensuring that youre wooden furniture will continue to shine in your home.
Don't ignore microfiber
Among the existing materials for cleaning, microfiber seems to be a real miracle: it is wear-resistant, does not require the use of cleaning agents, and removes any dirt.
A good microfiber cloth not only perfectly collects dust from surfaces, but also does not release small particles back into the room air. With such a rag, you can wipe the dust from any surface, from the floor to the ceiling.
The main advantages of using microfiber:
- reduces cleaning time
- it has a long service life compared to other types of napkins
- reduces the cost of cleaning
- suitable for polishing and cleaning delicate surfaces, leaves no scratches
- it does not require special care, rinsing or washing is enough.
Turn on the air conditioner at the same time as the fan
Air flows from the air conditioner create air circulation. This "draft" raises dust from the surfaces. If you turn on the fans at the same time, the dust will rush into them along with the air flow. This trick is especially effective in new buildings where a good ventilation system of the house is organized. But if the filters have not been cleaned for a long time, the dust will remain in the apartment.
Knock the dust out of the furniture right in the apartment
Upholstered furniture is always clogged with dust. It's good if these are blankets or capes that can be knocked out on the street. And if it's a sofa that can't be taken out and knocked out? You can vacuum, but this will give a short-term effect.
It is much more effective to moisten the sheet and wring it out so that it is wet, cover the sofa with a sheet, and knock out the furniture through the sheet. Yes, yes, take a good walk with a firecracker to knock out dust on all upholstered furniture, without taking it out of the room! The dislodged dust will settle on the wet fabric, and you will only have to carefully remove the sheets and wash them. Quick and easy.
Buy some indoor plants
It is not typical for Cyprus to keep indoor plants in an apartment. Nevertheless, potted plants purify the air, increase the amount of oxygen and help fight dust.
The number 1 specialist in this matter is chlorophytum. Spray its long leaves with water, and there will be less dust. Just do not forget to wash the plant regularly under running water. Also, scindapsus, aglaonema, climbing ivy, azalea, sansevieria will help to improve the air condition.
Modern technologies
Today in Cyprus you can buy a number of devices that are positioned as a means to improve the atmosphere of the house. One of these devices is an air humidifier. Simple models convert water into steam by heating, more expensive ones - using ultrasound. A robot vacuum cleaner can be more useful in this regard – a compact autonomous device that can clean (and even wash) the floor surface in automatic mode. The advantage of such a solution is that with such an assistant, less effort and time is spent on fighting dust. The robot copes with the task of maintaining cleanliness, if you do a general cleaning once a week.
Fighting dust is not an easy task. For proper and conscientious cleaning, both the apartment and your own health will thank you. We wish you success!
Decided to buy an apartment or a house in Cyprus? Or maybe you're just looking for options? Contact DOM! The website has a huge selection of real estate - residential and commercial. Experienced agency specialists will be happy to help you make the right choice.
See also:
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- Rearranging Furniture - Great Alternative to Renovating an Apartment
