Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution also can havesignificant effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5times and, occasionally, more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concernbecause most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. The following are ten suggestions professional cleaners make for immediate improvement of their clients’ indoor environmental quality (IEQ):

1. Keep Walkways and Entries Clean – Start by keeping outside sidewalks, entry area, porches and steps clean. Sweep, dust,vacuum or use a leaf blower to remove soil and debris from entries to eliminate tracking into the facility.

2. Use Mats to Trap Soil at Entries – Exterior and interior mats to trap and contain particles and moisture should be placed ateach entry. This not only extends the life of the carpet, but it also greatly reduces the quantity of particles that enter and buildup in traffic areas, eventually becoming airborne.

3. Clean Shoes at Entries – Studies conducted by professional engineers on carpet dust samples indicate that fine particlescontaining lead are reduced by cleaning or removing and leaving shoes a the entry.

4. Purchase and Use High-Quality Vacuum Equipment- A high-quality, durable upright vacuum with brush agitation is amust. Price is not as important as quality here. Check trade or consumer magazines, and expect sleds persons to providetechnically accurate information. Avoid door-to-door sales tactics. Also check the Carpet and Rug Institutes list of vacuumsthat are included in the Green Label Program at www.carpet-rug.com.

5. Use High-Efficiency Vacuum Filter Bags – The use of high-efficiency (HEPA-type) double –lined vacuum filter bags thatfilter out 99% of particles down to one micron or less in size is highly recommended. Avoid cheap, paper filter bags thatremove particles down to seven microns only. Small particles that easily pass through paper filter bags are a major source ofrespiratiory irritation as well as household dust.

6. Vacuum Frequency – Increase the frequency of vacuuming before soils sift downward and become embedded in the carpetpile. Vacuuming should be done more slowly in entry areas where most particle soils accumulate. Traffic areas should bepassed over slowly two or three times. Periodic use of vacuum unit attachments or a canister vacuum to remove accumulatedsoils from entries and along baseboards also is recommended.

7. HVAC Filters – Use high-quality reusable electrostatic filters for HVAC systems. These filters have acrylic rods that vibrateand create a static electricity that charges soil particles, thereby attracting them to the filter. Anticipate a cost of $50-$100 forhigh-quality filters. These filters should be removed and flushed free of collected sold on a monthly basis.

8. Have Carpet and Upholstery Cleaned by a Professional on a Regular Basis – Professional cleaning compounds lift andsuspend fine particles of soil. Then, careful extraction using hot water flushes the from cap fibers. The objective ofprofessional cleaning is to remove the maximum amount of soil (anything foreign to the construction of the fiber) with theleast damage to he fiber. Specify a cleaning technician who is certified by the Institute Of Inspection and RestorationCertification.

9. Clean Other Soft Surfaces – Clean drapery, bedding and other fabric surfaces. Wash linens weekly

10. Control Moisture and Humidity – Dust mites and mold are the two most common allergens present in higher –humidityclimates. According to studies conducted at Wright State University, dust mite infestation will be eliminated if the relativehumidity of the building, not just a particular area, is maintained below 50%. Molds, which are classified as fungi, requirehumidity of 70% or higher and a food source of organic-based material to grow. Cooler surfaces, which may have a relativehumidity near 100%, create a perfect breeding are for mold. By reducing a maintaining the relative humidity of a structurebelow 50% both dust mite infestation and mold growth will be prevented.

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