You’ve probably observed them hiding beneath beds or lurking around floorboards. They’re furry and quiet, but they don’t consume carrots. What are they? Dust bunnies, obviously!
Why are they referred to as “dust bunnies”? Nobody knows for certain, but it might be related to the fact that they’re fluffy, quiet, and tend to reproduce rapidly!
Typically found under furniture or other hard-to-reach areas, dust bunnies are clumps of dust and other materials that are usually held together by static electricity. If static charges accumulate, dust bunnies can be attracted to each other, resulting in large “super” dust bunnies!
But what exactly is dust? In the air, dust is composed of tiny particles of soil carried by the wind, as well as particles of pollution and microscopic debris from volcanic eruptions across the globe.
In your home, atmospheric dust combines with plant pollen, animal hair, human hair, dead skin, clothing fibers, and other minuscule particles to form dust bunnies when static electricity binds these items together.
Although you might think that dust bunnies — aside from being dirty — are generally harmless, they can actually cause a range of issues. If they find their way into or around electronics, they can block vents and cause overheating. They can also clog vacuums and air vents if they become too large.
However, their potential impact on your health is even more troublesome. The organic matter found in dust bunnies, such as human and animal hair and dead skin, provides the perfect “food” source for house-dust mites.
House-dust mites exist in all climates, even at high altitudes. Just one gram of dust can accommodate almost 200 house-dust mites. Unfortunately, house-dust mites produce allergens that can trigger asthma and contribute to various respiratory problems.
So how do you eliminate house-dust mites? Clean!
Regular dusting and vacuuming, as well as cleaning soft materials like pillows and bedding, can significantly reduce the population of house-dust mites and, in turn, reduce their negative health effects.
Give It a Try
Ready to tidy up your room? Definitely not! As a general rule, no one looks forward to the task of cleaning their room.
However, it’s just one of those things you need to do to maintain a clean, healthy environment. Plus, it’ll make your parents happy too!
Before you get started, though, challenge yourself to do a thorough job. Cleaning your room properly doesn’t mean stuffing every stray toy and piece of clothing under the bed hoping no one will notice!
If you need some guidance on cleaning your room, take a look at how to clean a kid’s room in 15 minutes. You’ll find helpful tips and step-by-step instructions on how to do a thorough job in a short amount of time!
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