1. Keep the floor clean
Substances can build up in household dust over a long time. Using a vacum with a HEPA filter can lower your home’s concentrations of lead, fire retardants, and allergens. A HEPA filter, strong suction power, and rotating brushes help to keep the dust and dirt from escaping the vacuum cleaner. Go over high-traffic areas multiple times. Take care to get the edges, and also vacuum your walls and upholstered furniture. Vacuum at least twice weekly. Clean the filter regularly. Use a mop to pick up the dust still left. Use a microfiber mop or cloth, dampened with water only. You don’t need to add cleaning chemicals to the process.
Place doormats at all entryways. Doormats help keep out dirt, pesticides, and other things you don’t want brought into the house. The bigger the mat, the more pollutants it will capture, even when people don’t actually wipe their shoes.
Any home built before 1978 probably still has lead paint inside. Even in newer homes, lead dust can be tracked in from outside, putting young children at risk for brain, nervous system, and kidney damage. Pesticides from outdoors can also cause brain damage in kids.
Keep your home safer by asking people to take off their shoes when they come in. Keep slippers or house shoes by the door.
2. Control humidity
Keep humidity at about 30%-50% in order to discourage mold, dust mites, and other allergens. A dehumidifier or air conditioner will