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How to keep your home fresh and clean during harmattan

By Musa Adekunle

02 December 2024   |   7:26 pm

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Ah, harmattan! That dry, dusty, and chilly season has returned, especially affecting northern Nigeria. While the season has its unique charm, keeping the house tidy during this time can feel like an endless battle against dust. No matter how often we clean, the harmattan wind seems determined to leave a layer of dust everywhere. The…

Ah, harmattan! That dry, dusty, and chilly season has returned, especially affecting northern Nigeria. While the season has its unique charm, keeping the house tidy during this time can feel like an endless battle against dust.

No matter how often we clean, the harmattan wind seems determined to leave a layer of dust everywhere.

The harmattan season, though picturesque, poses more challenges than benefits for both health and home cleanliness.

READ ALSO: Anambra fire service urges safety precautions during harmattan

Proper house care during this time isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s essential for good health and a clean environment.

Dust has a sneaky way of making itself at home during harmattan. Whether it blows in through open windows or sneaks in on shoes, it’s nearly impossible to avoid. However, with a little planning and effort, you can control, if not completely eliminate, its impact on your home.

One practical approach is to establish a cleaning routine. Dust can pile up quickly if left unattended, so breaking cleaning tasks into manageable sections can make the process less overwhelming.

For instance, you could tackle the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms every other day, while the bedrooms, backyard, and verandah could be cleaned once a week. You might also reserve the last weekend of each month for a thorough, general cleaning.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your home clean during harmattan:

1. Sweep and mop floors regularly

For rugs, vacuuming is the ideal solution. However, if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, lightly wet the rug before sweeping it with a broom. This method reduces the dust that typically flies into the air. For tiled floors, mopping regularly will not only clean the surface but also help minimise dust in the house.

2. Focus on the kitchen and bathrooms

These are the most delicate parts of the house and require extra attention. Dishes should be washed immediately after use, and kitchen counters wiped down regularly. In the bathroom, clean the toilet, shower, floors, and walls every other day to prevent dirt and germs from accumulating. Mirrors, too, deserve some TLC to maintain their shine.

3. Clean windows and nets weekly

Dust easily gathers on window nets and sills during harmattan. Make it a habit to dust these areas at least once a week. To prevent dust from entering the house, keep windows shut as much as possible. You can rely on fans or air conditioners for ventilation instead.

4. Regularly clean furniture surfaces

Dust clings to furniture, especially wooden surfaces, like an uninvited guest. Using wood polish or a mixture of water and detergent with a soft cloth can work wonders in keeping your furniture spotless. Regular wiping ensures that dust doesn’t accumulate over time.

5. Protect your health

Dust isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a health hazard too. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues like asthma, cough, and catarrh. By keeping your home as dust-free as possible, you’re not just protecting your space—you’re safeguarding your health too.

Harmattan may try to turn your home into a dusty canvas, but with these tips, you can stay one step ahead. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your home fresh, your family healthy, and the harmattan woes at bay.