Why should we care about "invisible" dirt? Because we can smell it, feel it, and it can make us very sick. Your carpet plays an extremely important role in protecting your health from all these invaders (below). Your carpet is like a gigantic filter. It traps the unseen contaminants and keeps them away from your mouth, eyes, ears, and prevents them from floating around and getting into your lungs. However, every filter needs to be cleaned regularly to make it work right. Your carpet needs vacuuming twice per week and a professional cleaning at least twice per year. You can remove and control unseen dirt by dusting before you vacuum; vacuuming twice per week with a vacuum that either vents outside or has a special HEPA filter or equivalent filtering system; vacuum under and behind furnishings regularly; clean or replace duct filters frequently; have your carpet professionally cleaned at least twice a year; have your ducts cleaned yearly.
Wash the table, dishes, stove, microwave and handles on the cupboards and refrigerator with hot, sudsy dishwater with a tablespoon of chlorine added to the sink of water.
Use only disposable towels and paper cups in the restroom, and disinfectant soap.
Make the family wash their hands with disinfectant soap before eating and after using the restroom.
Watch your barometer. Maintain a relative humidity level in your home of between 30%-50% (more or less can be bad) by heating, cooling, using a dehumidifier or ventilation.
Eliminate or ventilate these items in your home: Scents, hairspray, finishes, rug cleaners, oven cleaners, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, pressed woods, office copiers and printers, correction fluid, carbonless copy paper, craft materials such as glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.
Wash all bedding including pillows, all in your hottest water every week.
Vacuum twice weekly, with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, beater brush and powerful suction as well as air movement.
Do not over-water plants. Remove and destroy any that have been over-watered in the past.
Replace or clean your ventilation filter monthly.
Clean the drip pan under the refrigerator monthly, and put a tablespoon of chlorine in it.
A regular carpet cleaning maintenance program by a professional, cleaned two or more times per year is also vital. You should have a regular maintenance plan so that it does not get overlooked.
Have upholstery and mattresses cleaned at least once per year.
Clean and inspect gutters in the fall.
Inspect drainage away from house.
Inspect under house for moisture, organic debris and dry rot.
Make sure the duct work is free of dust and debris. Have your ducts cleaned yearly. Have the duct cleaner inspect your heating system and gas appliances.
Make sure there is not water in the air conditioner, if it does accumulate water, have it repaired.
Inspect under or around sinks, toilet, tubs, water pipes, windows, cabinets, and walls for any moisture, mold or mildew.
If you park our car in your garage and you have a door that goes directly into the house, make sure the garage is ventilated well and the door seals well.
Use plastic mattress covers to reduce your exposure to contaminants that thrive on dead skin cells.
Inspect and relocate air intakes near standing water, organic debris, or bird droppings.
Buy a barometer for inside your home.
Have the ventilation system modified to allow some fresh air in, or air out, of your house daily.
If your house is down wind of a nearby highway that existed before 1990 and you have symptoms related to lead poisoning, you may want to get that checked by a doctor. Likewise, if you have latex paint on your walls from before the 1990's and you have symptoms, replace the paint.