Spring is the time of year many of us do a thorough cleaning of our homes and offices. It gives us the opportunity to get rid of anything that has accumulated that we haven’t used or have completely forgotten about. It is also a great time to donate things to charity.

Spring cleaning does come with some safety precautions and hazards. If you have a big cleaning job that involves getting rid of rubbish and hazardous waste, consider hiring a skip company, like Kingston Skips, to haul away your materials. Here are some of the health hazards that you need to be cautious of.

 

1. Hazardous Waste

You are likely to come across some items that are dangerous for your health. These might include:

• Old paint cans
• Asbestos insulation
• Pest poisons
• Rotten food
• Chemical cleaning agents

Be sure to wear protective clothing, gloves, and face masks when gathering up these materials for disposal. Asbestos is best left to licensed professionals to deal with.

 

2. Mold and Mildew

After you have gathered up all the rubbish that you want taken away, it is time to clean up any mold and mildew you can see or smell. Again, wear the appropriate attire for this. You will want to thoroughly wash down surfaces with a mold removing agent. There are chemical products that will do this. Or, you can go green with white vinegar and essential oils.

If the mold is embedded in walls and ceilings, you will need to hire a specialist to come in and remove the materials. You may need to replace some finishes.

 

3. Poor Air Quality

HVAC ducts can harbor allergens and dust mites, or worse. It is recommended that you hire a professional duct cleaning company to get rid of the hazardous things you could be breathing in. There is no sense in spring cleaning if you are going to turn on the AC or heat and let the pollution in your air ducts be re-circulated into the air.

 

4. Cleaning Chemicals

Now it is time to do the actual cleaning. Chemical cleaners are highly toxic. Many contain bleach or ammonia. While a good scrubbing with bleach may sound like an excellent idea, it can cause respiratory damage and skin irritation. So again, be mindful of protective clothing, or use non-toxic cleaning agents. And, be sure the space is very well ventilated. Open windows to let fresh air in.

For carpets, perform a thorough steam cleaning that is chemical free.

 

5. Waste Removal

A skip contractor can take hazardous materials like paints and chemicals. They can also collect and get rid of moldy construction materials. A professional contractor of this type knows how to safely and legally dispose of these items. You shouldn’t be contaminating your own vehicle with toxic waste.

 

Be Sensible and Safe

Take your spring cleaning seriously by remaining safe while you do it. Take advantage of the professionals who can help with remediation and responsible waste removal. Spring cleaning should be a healthy process, not something that makes you sick.