Ew! What Is That!? The Top 5 Grossest Things You’ll Find in Your Air Ducts.
You've Been Warned, It's Pretty Nasty
If you’re someone who is grossed out easily, you might want to look away now because this article is not for the faint of heart. We’re going to take a deep dive into the dark and dirty world of air ducts, and we’ll reveal the top 5 grossest things you’ll find lurking in there. Buckle up and get ready to feel the urge to scrub your hands!
1. Dead Skin
Let’s start with the most disgusting fact of them all – dead skin. People shed 500 million skin cells each day and completely replace the entire outer layer of their skin every 2-4 weeks. If that’s true, where did all that shed skin go? If you bathe regularly (and we sincerely hope you do) most of that dead skin is washed away down the drain, but a substantial proportion of it remains in your home, along with the dead skin of every person you live with or who has ever been in your home. According to a study by the University of Arizona, dead skin cells make up 60% of household dust. So, if you’re not disgusted yet, just imagine breathing in a cloud of dead skin cells – gross!
2. Dust Mites
Now, let’s talk about another microscopic creature that will make your skin crawl – dust mites. These tiny spider-like animals live everywhere we do, and they’re pretty much thriving off of our dead skin cells and our pets’ dander. Dust mites are particularly fond of carpets, bedding, and upholstery, but they’re also found in air ducts. If you’re allergic to dust mites, what you actually react to is the mites’ decomposing bodies and fecal pellets (ewww!). These microscopic critters can cause all sorts of respiratory problems like asthma and allergies, so you definitely don’t want them hanging out in your air ducts.
3. Pet Fur and Dander
We love pets (especially Merlin & Charlie, The Clean & Pristine Pups), but let’s face it – pets are messy. They shed fur, leave behind dander, and sometimes have accidents. All of these things can create an unpleasant odor that can linger in your home for a long time. What’s worse is that dust mites and other microorganisms love to feast on the organic matter left behind by your furry friends. Pet dander is also a major allergen, and it can cause all sorts of respiratory problems for humans, especially those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies. So, if you’re a pet owner, it’s important to make sure you’re regularly cleaning your air ducts to avoid any unpleasant smells or health problems.
4. Chemicals
Now, let’s move on to something that’s not just gross but also potentially dangerous – chemicals. Dust traps chemicals, and while the entire cleaning industry is moving away from harsh chemicals in recent years, those harsh chemicals can still be found in the dust within your home. Those shed hairs and old skin cells can soak up a constellation of contaminants originating from consumer products that we bring into our homes. If that dust isn’t cleaned, it can have a very long memory. In older homes, DDT, a pesticide that has been banned for over half a century, can still be found in the dust there. It’s no secret that exposure to certain chemicals can lead to serious health problems, so it’s crucial to have your air ducts cleaned regularly to ensure that you and your family are breathing in clean, fresh air.
5. Bacteria, Viruses, and other Pathogens
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the potential presence of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in your air ducts. Over time, your air ducts can accumulate all sorts of germs and microorganisms that can cause health problems. This is especially true if you or anyone in your household has been sick recently. If the germs from that sickness get trapped in your air ducts, they can continue to circulate and make everyone else sick. Additionally, if you have any pests in your home (such as rodents or insects), they can leave behind droppings and other biological matter that can carry bacteria and viruses.
It’s Time to Call in The Professionals
If you’re feeling disgusted by the thought of all the gross things that could be lurking in your air ducts, it’s time to call in the professionals. Regular Air Duct Cleaning can help to remove all of the gross and potentially harmful things that could be hiding in your home’s air ducts. Not only will this help to improve the air quality in your home, but it can also help to prevent health problems.
So, there you have it – the top 5 grossest things you’ll find in your air ducts. From dead skin to dust mites, pet dander to chemicals, and bacteria to viruses, your air ducts can be a breeding ground for all sorts of unpleasant things. If it’s been more than two years since you’ve had your air ducts cleaned, it’s time to call Clean & Pristine Services, Inc. for a total ventilation renovation. Don’t let gross and potentially harmful things continue to circulate in your home’s air – call in the professionals and breathe easy.