We have all done it before. Maybe it is late nights at the office, maybe it is getting the kids to school, maybe it is battling the flu you can’t kick, but we have all neglected cleaning. The longer it is neglected, the less likely it is to get done. This is not only because the size of the job becomes bigger and more intimidating but because building habits – like consistent cleaning – is hard to do. Unfortunately, forgetting to clean the drain or wipe down the counters can also have some pretty serious side effects. Here are four dangers to consider before you let the dust and dirt pile up.

Humidity Turns Dust to Grime

Los Angeles is a hot city, and the closer you are to the water, the more humid it gets. The valley can also be hit by hot, humid winds coming off the mountains and cause staggering temperatures, but many people don’t realize that humidity is also taking its toll on their home.

When heavy humidity mixes with dust, it turns to grime. This can happen surprisingly quickly, especially over a hot summer, and it makes cleaning a nightmare. While dust can be wiped away with a towel or rag, grime smears and sticks. It acts in many ways like sap or grease, spreading around a material instead of being wiped up. It can also stick to your fingers or clothes and leave hard to clean messes.

Cleaning grime can be a huge chore with everything from expensive cleaning agents to scouring pads being required to lift it up. It’s better to have a consistent cleaning schedule to catch dust before it turns to grime and not have to deal with the hassle.

Dust Can Damage AC and Heating

Right alongside the humidity problem is how the dust will affect your AC or heater. Most AC and heater units work by regulating temperature through recycled air. But if that air is filled with dust, it will get sucked straight into filters. Over time, this can cause serious damage to the units as well as play a role in circulating air filled with allergens.

Dirty Bathrooms Can Cost You

Dirty bathrooms aren’t just gross, they are expensive. Any environment that has so much water and humidity flowing through it will be prone to wear and decay. Bacteria and fungi thrive in these environments, and they won’t just ruin the color of your bathtub or sink, they will ruin the materials.

These organics will seep into your bathroom discoloring and decaying them through and through. Eventually, this will cause permanent damage (as well as looking unsightly). If it isn’t fixed, it will also significantly lower your home’s value.

Your Kitchen Can Get You Sick

This one is a no-brainer, but people still don’t realize how pervasive germs are in a kitchen. Food dropped onto the floor and picked up, a spill poorly wiped up or bits and pieces of food that get kicked under cabinets and corners can all cause serious illness in your home.

Once a bacterium like salmonella has formed, it can easily be transferred not just from food but from touch.  This is especially true for drawers and fridge handles, which are often some of the dirtiest places in your home.

The answer to all of these problems is simply to keep a rigorous cleaning schedule. You’ll protect your home and your health through regular cleaning. But we also understand that thorough, proper cleaning is time-consuming. That’s why we at 3 Maids would be more than happy to schedule a call to meet your needs. Contact us today!