9 Things in the Living Room That Are Really Dirty

Remote Controls

Remote controls for the TV, music, game systems, and ceiling fans are touched dozen of times every day. Did everyone in your house wash their hands completely each time before touching them? Of course not.

Remote controls and other electronic accessories like keyboards and earphones attract soil and bacteria. And if someone in the family is ill, there are even more bacteria just waiting to infect the next user.

Use a disinfectant wipe that is approved for use on electronics each day to wipe down remotes and accessories. If someone is ill, take time to wipe down after every use before passing along for the next person to use.

Wall-to-Wall Carpet

Even if you are meticulous and vacuum every day, wall-to-wall carpet is a dirt magnet. But replacing older carpet with newer carpet is not always the best solution.

If you have wall-to-wall carpet, clean regularly with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, have the carpet cleaned by a professional on a seasonal basis, and consider removing it and using smaller rugs that can be easily washed.

Air Fresheners

Whether you use a plug-in air freshener, commercial potpourri, or spray air fresheners to cover up stale odors, they are contributing to indoor air pollution. Home fragrance products, candles, and some oils for diffusers often contain chemicals like petroleum distillates, limonene, formaldehyde, esters, and alcohols that can cause respiratory distress, headaches, and eye irritation.

Instead of a commercial product that simply covers up bad odors instead of eliminating them, open the doors and windows and welcome in some fresh air. Or, place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or distilled white vinegar around the room to absorb odors. If you like the addition of scent, make your own potpourri from dried flowers and add essential oils.

Candles

Candles can add fragrance and a decorative touch to the living room and a certain ambiance when lit. Unfortunately, since most candles are made from paraffin wax which is produced with petroleum, they can also release chemicals like ketones and benzene which are irritants to the respiratory system.

You don't need to get rid of candles completely but opt for those made of soy or beeswax. Look for wicks that do not contain wire or metal and avoid heavily scented candles.

Heating and Air Conditioning Vents

Heating and air conditioning systems are a must in most homes, but filters and vents can become full of dust. Filters should be changed regularly and a filter that captures fine particles is best. Vents should be dusted weekly and ductwork cleaned yearly.

Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum is one of the essential cleaning tools to keep living areas dust and dirt free, but if you don't clean your vacuum, all of that dust and dirt will stick around. Look for a vacuum that is equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA). Then, clean or change the filter regularly and empty the bag or cup after every use to remove dirt and dust from your home.

Pets

While we love and value our pets, they have the potential to make us sick. Just like humans, cats and dogs shed microscopic bits of dead skin called pet dander that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Pets can also bring in pests like ticks and bacteria from outside play and toilet areas.

The best practice is to keep pets off upholstery and carpeted areas and in their own beds. If that's impossible, clean and vacuum regularly to prevent health issues.

Firewood

A basket filled with firewood is both convenient and decorative. However, stored firewood can introduce pests to a home. Leave wood outside until it is needed and promptly clean away fireplace ashes and soot.

Your Shoes

Think about where your shoes have been throughout the day. Do you want that on your carpet or upholstery? Your shoes will track in dirt and other particles from outdoors and deposit them throughout your living room and beyond. The easiest way to prevent this is to have everyone remove their shoes at the front or back door. Wash welcome mats and entry rugs frequently.