Sydney Henderson - AHAM Consumer Blog

Cleaning Your Appliances, Inside and Out

The benefits of keeping a clean home are well-documented, from reduced stress to fewer potentially illness-causing germs and even improved allergy symptoms.

Like a lot of household activities, cleaning saw its profile increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of consumers conducted by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) in 2021 found that the use of cleaning products like disinfectant wipes and spray disinfectant increased. Ensuring health and safety became a driving force for increased cleaning, and 85% of those surveyed said they are likely to continue the cleaning practices and protocols they began during the pandemic.

Appliances, from dishwashers to clothes washers and dryers to vacuums, are firmly entrenched as valuable tools that make the cleaning process easier. But any cleaning routine should also involve cleaning your appliances, even those that do some of the cleaning for you. Cleaning your appliances can improve both their performance, appearance and energy efficiency. Finally, many appliances are considered “high-touch” surfaces. Think about how many times the handle on your refrigerator is touched every day. Each touch brings the potential to leave germs like viruses or bacteria, on the surface. These can be picked up by the next person who touches it.

Let’s take a look around the home and walk through some ways you can keep your appliances performing at and looking their best:

Refrigerator: Plan to clean your refrigerator when it isn’t as full, like just before you go grocery shopping, ACI recommends. Use warm, soapy water to wipe down the drawers (inside and out) and a multi-purpose spray to clean the walls, shelves and exterior. Twice a year, or following the recommendations in your refrigerator’s use-and-care manual, unplug the refrigerator and use a coil brush and vacuum to remove dust from the coils. Disinfect the refrigerator handle once a week, or more often if someone in the house is ill.

Oven and range: Cleaning your oven and range after every use will save you from a larger cleaning job later. Warm soap and water or white vinegar are generally safe choices for the range surface, though your manufacturer may recommend specific cleaning products. Don’t use cleaners with abrasive properties. Many ovens have self-cleaning features. Once the oven cools after the self-cleaning cycle, ashes and residue may be easily wiped away. ACI cautions against using oven cleaner on a self-cleaning or continuous cleaning oven, as the cleaner may damage the surface.

Dishwasher: Cleaning the dishwasher filter, which traps food debris rinsed away during wash cycles, is the most important aspect of keeping a dishwasher clean. Most filters are removable. For dishwasher exteriors, a soft cloth with diluted soap and water will usually do the trick. ACI recommends drying the finish with a separate towel afterward. Glass cleaner can be used to remove fingerprints from stainless steel.

Air conditioner: Dirt that is allowed to build up can affect the air conditioner’s performance. Use a plastic scrub brush to clean coils and vents periodically. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to remove any leftover dirt. Also, be sure to wash or replace air filters in accordance with the air conditioner’s use-and-care manual.

Clothes washer: For a number of reasons, clothes washers can be fertile grounds for mold, mildew and odors. If your unit’s use-and-care manual does not offer specific instructions, run an empty hot water cycle containing one cup of chlorine bleach once a month to help prevent odor, mold and mildew.

Clothes dryer: According to the National Fire Protection Association, failure to clean a dryer is the leading cause of dryer-related fires. Clean the lint filter after every use, have the interior venting system cleaned once a year by a qualified service technician. Regularly clean any lint that builds up behind the dryer and any lint that is collected in and around the drum.

Portable appliance finishes: ACI recommends cleaning portable appliances with a nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner and drying the surface afterward with a clean, soft cloth.

Vacuum: Check the brush roll periodically to make sure it isn’t blocked and nothing is wrapped around it. Change and clean the air filter, change bags and empty canisters as needed. Make sure the product is turned off and de-energized when cleaning.

The Evolution of Air Cleaners and CADR

For decades, allergy sufferers, pet owners and others have relied on room air cleaners for better indoor air quality and to help reduce symptoms. Air cleaners have a well-earned reputation as a must-have appliance for households that want to cut down on particulate pollutants like tobacco smoke, dust and pollen.

Over the past two years, however, the expectations for an air cleaner’s performance have grown. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, air cleaners have gained prominence as an important tool for reducing airborne viruses and bacteria. An AHAM survey of consumers in late 2020 found that 42% reported using their air cleaners more than they did prior to the pandemic, and almost half said they were taking steps to improve the air quality in their homes.

Even beyond the pandemic, awareness has grown about how certain chemicals affect indoor air. AHAM’s survey found that, in addition to viruses, smoke, dust and pollen, consumers were concerned about the effects of mold, chemicals and PM 2.5 (particulate matter). People who live in areas affected by wildfires also rely on air cleaners to mitigate the effects of smoke on indoor air quality.

The Clean Air Delivery Rate, or CADR—the rating given to air cleaners that have been tested under AHAM’s Air Cleaner test methods. The AHAM Verifide® Program is the only program testing air cleaners in an independent laboratory, and providing confidence to consumers that an air cleaner meets performance claims. However, until now, consumers who were interested in using an air cleaner to address pollutants beyond smoke, dust and pollen did not have a consistent way to compare models. That is about to change.

It’s a new era for clean indoor air, and AHAM, industry experts and manufacturers are responding with new air cleaner test methods that will give consumers additional ways to compare performance for more clean air concerns, including an air cleaner’s ability to remove viruses, bacteria, mold and chemicals.

Microbiological pollutants

On the advice of indoor air experts and the recommendation of the U.S. EPA and the CDC, millions have enlisted air cleaners to help reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission. While air cleaners don’t offer complete protection, the EPA did recommend them as part of a plan to protect against COVID-19. However, without a uniform industry standard for testing air cleaners’ ability to remove viruses, bacteria and mold, consumers had no objective way to determine which model would best serve their needs for removing microbiological pollutants.

In response to this new indoor air quality concern, a team of manufacturers, public health professionals and academic researchers, organized by AHAM, came together to develop AHAM AC-5-2022, the first air cleaner performance standard to measure removal of microbiological pollutants. Eventually, microbiological pollutants will be added to AHAM’s Air Cleaner Certification Program, and models tested under the standard will be assigned an m-CADR, which will inform consumers of that model’s capability to remove microbiological pollutants in a given room size.

Chemicals

Chemicals are present in every home. They’re often undetectable, but many can give off odors. Common sources include cooking, cleaning products, furniture, flooring and building materials. In addition, thousands of chemicals generated either indoors or outdoors can make their way into the home through the ventilation system or when people enter or exit. The vast majority are harmless, but some in high concentrations can cause health issues in people with sensitivities.

Air cleaners are made to remove many of these chemicals. But as with viruses, bacteria and mold, there was no uniform standard by which to test air cleaners’ removal of chemicals. Consumers who bought air cleaners to reduce chemical odors had to rely on manufacturers’ claims, and each manufacturer had different ways of testing. Consumers will soon have a way to easily compare models, as after three years of research and development, AHAM has published AHAM AC-4-2022, which will serve as an industry-wide standard to test air cleaners for chemical removal. Soon, air cleaners that complete chemical testing through AHAM’s Air Cleaner Certification Program will be assigned a numerical rating, c-CADR, for their ability to reduce chemicals in a given room size.

From pollutants you can see, like pollen and dust, to those invisible to the naked eye, air cleaners have evolved into the centerpiece appliance for anyone who wants cleaner indoor air where they live, work or learn.

Indoor Air Quality is an Essential Part of a Healthy Home

Pollen. Dust. Animal dander. Viruses and bacteria. The pollutants that affect indoor air quality are often too small to see, but the effects they can have on your health and wellness can quickly become too big to ignore. Spring and the pollen it brings is enough to make allergy sufferers think more about the air they’re breathing. But there are plenty of indoor air pollutants that should concern you even if you don’t have seasonal allergies. Those include wildfire smoke, PM 2.5 and microbiological pollutants like viruses, bacteria and mold.

Air cleaners have long been a trusted way for households to reduce pollutants like smoke, pollen and dust. Their potential role in filtering viruses from the air has been a hot topic of discussion since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said air cleaners could be part of a plan to reduce the risk of viral transmission indoors. And AHAM, after a year and a half of work by leading air cleaner manufacturers, public health professionals and academic researchers, has published the first official industry standard that allows manufacturers to test air cleaners’ ability to remove microbiological pollutants, including viruses, bacteria and mold.

Improving indoor air quality is part of keeping a healthier home environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates indoor air may contain two to five times the amount of pollutants as outdoor air. No room air cleaner will remove all pollutants, but they can help you reduce indoor contaminants and allergens and make your home environment more comfortable in a time when many are placing new emphasis on staying healthy.

The right choice for cleaner indoor air

Many air cleaners can be purchased online. A little research in advance can help you learn what you need so you can avoid inconvenient online returns and unnecessary trips to the store. Take a measurement of the room where the air cleaner will primarily be used, and look for models rated for that room size. Enter the square footage into the AHAM Verifide® Air Cleaner Directory for a list of models appropriate for that room size. Each listing will also carry the manufacturer’s name, along with the air cleaner’s CADR – Clean Air Delivery Rate – showing its ability to filter tobacco smoke, dust and pollen.

Why you should trust CADR: Air cleaner models are assigned their CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) based on the results of rigorous testing conducted by independent laboratories. During testing, the air cleaners are exposed to specific quantities of tobacco smoke, dust and pollen. After the air cleaner is run for a certain duration, the amount of each pollutant in the air is measured. The higher the CADR, the greater its ability to remove that specific pollutant.

Stay within models tested for the size of the room or rooms in which the air cleaner will be used. Choosing one rated for a larger room may use unnecessary energy and generate excess noise.

Staying healthy

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many health-related conversations focus on avoiding the virus. It is important to understand that air cleaners are not tested in the AHAM program for the ability to filter and remove viruses. However, in regards to indoor air quality, approximately 20 percent of people suffer from allergy symptoms, and air cleaners can contribute to your overall health by helping you manage those symptoms.

Some allergists regularly recommend that their patients use air cleaners to reduce their allergy symptoms, based on their ability to remove common household pollutants like dust, smoke and pollen and outside pollution particles, known as PM 2.5. Dust, smoke, and pollen can trigger symptoms like cough, wheezing and asthma. PM 2.5 is a significant enough issue for those with breathing difficulties that it is tracked in air quality reports and monitored by the EPA. PM 2.5 is a serious concern in areas affected by wildfire smoke. People living in those areas often rely on air cleaners to mitigate the effects of smoke on indoor air during wildfire season.

Other tips for healthy indoor air

Once you have an air cleaner, run it continuously to maximize its effectiveness. If it is in the bedroom, place it at the height of the bed. Position the air cleaner near the center of the room so air circulation isn’t blocked by a wall.

Other appliances can also help improve indoor air quality. Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly to remove pollutants that may have settled there. Keep your windows closed, wash your hands and turn your ventilation hood on when you cook.

Heart-Shaped Breakfast on Valentine’s Day

If you’re a romantic type who lives for chocolates, roses, candy hearts and everything that goes along with Valentine’s Day, we’ve got you covered! If the way to your Valentine’s heart is through their stomach, your appliances can help you create the perfect romantic breakfast.

Whether you opt for a sit-down meal or breakfast and bed, hearts are a must. It’s easy to make hearts the center of the meal, no matter what is on the menu. We’ve collected recipes for heart-shaped breakfast favorites from around the web (including some low carb and keto options if your Valentine is on a health kick) so you can make a breakfast that sets hearts aflutter.

French toast: With a lengthy history dating to Rome in the fifth century B.C., this comforting breakfast staple has stood the test of time. Since Valentine’s Day is a special occasion, we’re going to spice it up with this recipe from Veggie Desserts for cinnamon french toast hearts. You’ll need your range, your choice of bread, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon and some butter for cooking. Consider drizzling the finished with chocolate sauce.

A plate with two heart-shaped cinnamon french toast with chocolate sauce and berries — From veggiedesserts.com

Bacon and eggs: Is bacon your sweetheart’s second love? Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge. All you need to make this heart-shaped bacon-and-egg combo from Clean Food Crush is four slices of thin-sliced bacon, two large eggs, olive or avocado oil, and salt and pepper. You’ll cook the bacon in your oven instead of the pan.

Omelets: Put two large eggs, shredded cheddar, sliced mushrooms, diced onion and one cup of love into this heart-shaped omelet from Feels Like Home. Pour the mix into a large metal heart-shaped cookie cutter or pancake mold to give it its Valentine’s Day flair.

Waffles: Are waffles the ultimate breakfast comfort food? You can put your waffle iron to work on any number of variations when the craving strikes. We suggest Norwegian waffles for Valentine’s Day if you have a waffle maker designed for the task. Try this recipe from The Stay-at-Home Chef, which is also a winner for Galentine’s Day.

Heart shaped Norwegian waffles on a plate with blueberries, strawberries, crème fraîche, raspberry jam — From The-Stay-at-Home-Chef

Pancakes: You could use a mold or cookie-cutter to make heart-shaped pancakes, but you can also draw the design yourself. This technique from One Creative Mommy uses an empty squeeze bottle to draw the heart outline, and another to fill in the center. Once it solidifies, fill in the center with batter from the other bottle. Add fruit, chocolate or your favorite toppings.

And that’s just breakfast! There are many options for heart-shaped lunch, dinner or dessert if you’d rather sleep in.

Your Guide to Appliance Repair During COVID-19

Over the course of the nearly two-year COVID-19 pandemic, people have relied on their appliances more than ever. And that is true for all appliances, from the refrigerator to the clothes washer to the stand mixer.

It is rarely convenient when an appliance requires service. But COVID-19 has added another layer to the usual routine of appliance repair. In addition to finding a servicer and arranging a convenient time for repair, you also have to consider what steps the appliance repair provider is taking to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure. That’s especially true as positivity rates around the U.S. reach all-time highs.

“People who normally cook once or twice a year are now using their ovens every day,” says A.J. James, owner of Pegasus Appliance Repair in Dallas, winner of the 2019 Most Professional Servicer Award from the Appliance Service Training Institute. “People are using every appliance more. They’re running dishwashers at the highest sanitization setting. Their fridges are stocked to the gills with all the stuff they’ve been buying. We have been getting more calls for chest freezers.”

Some questions you should ask the appliance repair provider in in advance to find out about their COVID safety measures are:

Will the technician be wearing gloves, disposable booties and a mask?
How will payment be handled?
What are the company’s rules on handwashing and sanitization of equipment?
Is the technician willing to maintain a certain distance from the customer during the visit?
Is the technician an authorized service provider for your appliance brand? Authorized technicians are trained by the appliance manufacturer and have access to the parts, technical information, and, in some cases, software specific to your appliance type.

James has implemented strict protocols, ranging from mandatory handwashing to keeping 10 feet — further than the recommended six — between customers and technicians for the duration of the visit. Handshakes are out.

“It all goes back to the guidelines set forth by the CDC,” James says. “Social distancing is a key factor. We’re asking customers to stay in another room. Any coughing, an accidental sneeze, is kept in that other room.” So far, customers have been understanding. “It’s the new norm, and people get it. We aren’t going to put anyone in a situation where they put themselves or others at risk. I need to make sure we’re not taking something from house to house. We have been able to keep a happy medium while getting appliances fixed and keeping any sickness at bay with our team.”

Customers can prepare for the visit by providing a readily accessible place for handwashing. “It should be done immediately when the technician gets in the house,” James says. “We ask that they provide the technician a place to wash their hands with hot soapy water and disposable towels. At minimum, it is done before and after the repair. Some will wash their hands several times. Customers have been very good at making sure they have that available for us.” Technicians wear masks, gloves and booties and carry disinfectant, but rely on handwashing as their primary defense.

A bad flu season helped prepare technicians to take precautions against spreading coronavirus, says Alex Hallmark, an instructor at the Ohio-based Fred’s Appliance Academy. Fred’s Appliance provides repair and maintenance in the area and training for appliance technicians in the U.S. and globally. Their in-person training sessions have been put on hold.

“We were already doing handwashing, because that’s the only way to stop flu,” Hallmark says. “Our techs were trained on that from the get-go.” They are relying on customers to establish their comfort level. “If the customer insists, do it three times. There’s nothing wrong with peace of mind. If a customer is uncomfortable in any way, the best advice we have is not to get service until the stay-at-home orders are lifted.”

Customers should set the ground rules before the technician arrives.

“Some will say ‘Stay six feet away from me, let me know when you’re ready for payment,” Hallmark says. “We’ll make a note. Make sure you’re comfortable. We’re not all addressing this the same way.” If anyone in the home is experiencing symptoms, reschedule the appointment.

Customers and technicians should feel comfortable breaking off a visit if they become uneasy with the precautions being taken. “Now is not the time to be nice,” James says. “If the customer won’t stay 10 feet away, grab your tools and parts, exit the house. We’ll call the customer.”

When demand for service is high, essential repair jobs like a refrigerator not cooling may be prioritized over something that doesn’t directly affect the appliance’s function (like a dent or broken refrigerator handle). Customers should be clear about why the repair needs to be made. For example, a wine refrigerator might not normally be considered a priority, but that could change if it is being used to store medications.

Refrigerator Organization: Storing and Reheating Leftovers Safely

Once the holiday table is cleared, many home cooks across the U.S. might be left wondering what they’re supposed to do with all of the leftovers. From a simple turkey sandwich to the more exotic leftover turkey curry or chipotle turkey tostadas, your options for creative post-holiday cooking are limitless. But regardless of how you prepare them, storing and reheating leftovers safely is a must.

Refrigerator organization is a sometimes overlooked aspect of efficient living and food safety. Many people are used to putting items where they best fit. But depending on what you have in your refrigerator, that approach could be putting you and your family at risk for foodborne illness.

Cross-contamination is the primary safety risk from improperly placing foods in the refrigerator, says Lisa Yakas, senior project manager in NSF International’s home products certification program. Harmful bacteria like e-coli and salmonella can come from meats, and raw vegetables can pass on dirt and soil that may harbor harmful organisms from raw vegetables. Bacteria can pass from meat to other foods even if the two aren’t touching if meat juice leaks or drips.

Let’s open the door, peer inside the fridge and see how you can improve your food storage, make your life easier and reduce your risk.

Before (and after) you reorganize any of your foods, however, wash your hands.

If you’re putting any of the foods on the countertop while reorganizing, clean the area before and after.

The basic rules of refrigerator organization are simple.

Store meats on the bottom shelves, so any drips won’t fall onto other foods.
Store prepared and packaged foods in areas where they won’t touch raw meats, fruits or vegetables.
Raw vegetables belong in the crisper, where they won’t come into contact with other foods.

Yakas recommends cleaning out the areas in the refrigerator where meats and raw vegetables are stored at least once a month. Soap and warm water will usually do the job, but check the refrigerators’ use and care manual for specific instructions.

Keep your refrigerator between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leftover Safety

With food storage a priority in many households under stay-at-home orders, it’s a good time to review the safe storing and reheating of leftovers as well. “As people are kept in their homes, they’re eating at home more,” Yakas says. “As a general rule, leftovers should be eaten or discarded within three to four days. “Freeze it right away if you aren’t going to eat it,” Yakas says.

Foods that have been cooked need to be refrigerated within two hours. Yakas points out that the time frame to refrigerate leftovers could be narrower if the temperature outside is hotter. If you have a large container of leftovers to store, like a big pot of soup or sauce, divide it in to smaller portions for easier storage and faster cooling.

When reheating meats, use a meat thermometer just like you would when cooking it for the first time. Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees to kill any bacteria that may have formed prior to or during storage. Meat should be measured at a thick spot to ensure it has been heated all the way through. If the meat has a bone, take the temperature close to the bone, but not touching the bone. The temperature of bone and fat can be different than that of the meat.

Other food storage tips: Label and date your leftovers and store the oldest near the front of the refrigerator so you’ll know what should be eaten first. Get the most out of what you have on hand so you don’t have to make unnecessary trips to the grocery store.

Tell us how you are managing during this time, and what tips you’ve found most helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Central Vacuums

If you’re reading this, you are probably considering adding a central vacuum to your home. While central vacuums aren’t as well known as the more common upright, canister, stick or robotic vacuums, they offer serious convenience, cleaning power and a host of features. We have compiled some of the most common questions about central vacuums to help you learn and decide whether a central vacuum is your best option for your floor care.

Can a central vacuum be installed in any home?

Central vacuums can be installed in most homes, so long as there is access to the walls and crawlspaces. Your installer will work with you to find the best solution for your home.

How does a central vacuum differ from a portable vacuum?

Central vacuums are built into the home, with the canister typically placed in a garage or basement. PVC pipe is run through the walls and inlets are strategically placed to allow access to most or all of the home. All that is carried in the home is a 30’-35’ hose and attachments.

How long do central vacuum systems last?

While different factors affect how long a system lasts, many central vacuums can last 20-30 years, or even longer, depending on how often they are used.

Will I need to have an inlet in every room?

Inlets will be placed to allow access to most or all of the home. One inlet can cover as much as 700-1000 square feet, and they do not need to be placed in every room. Different lengths of hoses are available to adjust the reach of your central vacuum as necessary. Some systems include retractable hoses that can be pulled directly from the wall to the length needed. Consider placing them in or near high-traffic areas in the home or places that are vacuumed more than others, like dining rooms, kitchens or living rooms.

How much dirt does a central vacuum canister hold?

Different sizes of canisters are available. Most models will hold between seven and 10 gallons of debris.

How strong are central vacuums?

Central vacuums have larger motors than portable vacuums. This allows them to provide about three to five times the suction of a portable vacuum.

Will a central vacuum work on different surfaces?

Yes. Central vacuums come with a number of attachments like dusting brushes, crevice tools and hardwood floor brushes so you can adapt your central vac to any cleaning job, floor to ceiling. Some central vacuums can even be converted to wet-dry systems.

How long does it take to install a central vacuum?

This depends on the complexity of the job, but most systems can be installed in one day.

Do central vacuums use bags, like my portable vacuum?

It depends on the model. Some use bags, which will need to be changed according to the manufacturer’s directions. Other models are bagless but may require exterior venting.

Will I need to bring out the hose every time there is a small mess?

Not necessarily. One popular feature of central vacuums is a kick plate, a sort of automatic dustpan. Sweep dirt directly in, and it will be sucked into the remote central vacuum canister. Another option is a retractable hose which can be pulled out and used at any hose length. Additionally, many homeowners still keep a portable vacuum on hand for quick cleanup jobs.

What features are available for central vacuums?

Central vacuums offer many features and attachments. Some more popular options include retractable hoses, automatic dustpans, power brushes, pet hair tools, extra wands, and hardwood floor brushes.

How to Choose the Best Air Cleaner for Your Home

How clean is the indoor air you breathe, and how can you make it cleaner? Between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal wildfires and spring allergy season, those are questions many are asking. Several home appliances can help reduce indoor pollutants, but an air cleaner is your go-to product if you are focused on improving the quality of your home’s indoor air.

Air cleaners have many benefits. Seasonal allergy sufferers have long turned to air cleaners to reduce allergens. Air cleaners can make your living space cleaner and more comfortable, and some models (those with carbon filters) can reduce odors. People who live in areas affected by wildfire smoke rely on air cleaners to remove the resulting particulate matter and pollutants from their indoor air.

A lot of the attention given to indoor air quality recently stems from the the effort to reduce exposure to COVID-19. Air cleaners are not currently tested for their ability to remove viruses and bacteria, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Institutes of Health have recommended air cleaners as a way to reduce exposure. In addition, AHAM recently finalized a performance test standard for air cleaners that tests the effectiveness of portable room air cleaners’ ability to remove viruses, bacteria and mold.

How air cleaners work

How do air cleaners remove pollutants from your home’s air? It depends on the model. Some air cleaners use a combination of filters (HEPA and ULPA) and fans, electrostatic filters that clear the air by using static to attract particles, electrostatic precipitators that attract particles to a plate or grid, or ionization combined with other technologies. Many units also have pre-filters that trap larger particles.

On a given model, you might also find multiple features, including:

Multiple power settings
Oscillation, including some with multiple levels of oscillation
Sensors: Some air cleaners have the ability to sense the air quality and adjust the fan speed accordingly
WiFi capability

Some manufacturers are also incorporating robotics into air cleaners. Early models use sensors to monitor the air quality in different rooms so the robot can go where the air needs it most.

Finding the right air cleaner

With all of the models and features available, how do you choose the right air cleaner for your home? The most important detail is the size of the room in which the air cleaner will primarily be used. Look for the AHAM Verifide® label, which will show the air cleaner’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and suggested room size.

CADR is a measurement of how fast an air cleaner filters three commonly sized particulates: dust, pollen and tobacco. The higher the number on the label, the faster the air cleaner filters the air. However, don’t just choose the air cleaner with the highest numbers. You might end up with one that is too large for the room, leading to unnecessary energy use and noise. A too-small model may not get the job done. Follow the 2/3 rule, and choose an air cleaner with a tobacco smoke rating that is two-thirds the size of the room’s area. That means a room that is 200 square feet, would require an air cleaner with a CADR for tobacco smoke of at least 132.

CADR also gives you a way to choose an air cleaner based on your air cleaning needs. If you live in an area with a high pollen count, consider air cleaners with higher ratings for filtering pollen. If dust is an issue, pay closer attention to the unit’s rating for dust.

You will find the AHAM Verifide® label with the CADR ratings on the product packaging. However, you do not have to spend hours browsing units on shelves. You can compare AHAM-certified air cleaners through AHAM’s searchable directory. Search models by certified CADR ratings, suggested room size, manufacturer and brand name.

CADR is a recognized performance testing program in which air cleaners are randomly selected and tested at an independent laboratory using the American National Standard, known as ANSI/AHAM-AC-1.

After purchasing

Now that you have an air cleaner that is right for your home, it is time to maximize its air cleaning potential.

Position it properly: Air cleaners work best when they’re positioned to allow them to filter as much air as possible. Certain air cleaners, depending on the design, aren’t as effective if placed in the corner of a room. Place the air cleaner closer to the center of the room, away from anything that may block or obstruct the air flow.

Clean it regularly: This applies to both units with filters and those that use electrostatic precipitators. Change the filter according the recommendations in the appliance’s use and care manual. If you use the air cleaner frequently or in areas with higher levels of pollutants (like where the pets hang out), you may need to change it more often. Precipitators also need to be cleaned regularly. A drop in performance may signal it’s time to change the filter or clean the precipitator.

Use your other appliances: Vacuums with HEPA filters, central vacuums, clothes washers and dryers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers all can help keep the allergens in check in your home.

Blender Boost: 4 Healthy Recipes for Fall

It feels good to be back in the fall routine, with school days and a full schedule of pickups, drop-offs, activities and events. It is a welcome return to the familiar, but going out more also opens us up to some of the things we would rather do without, like the first colds of the school year. We could all use some healthy recipes to keep us feeling good during this busy time. And if we can use our blender to make them, all the better!

Time to cook can also be in short supply during the busy back-to-school season, and your blender can help you get a healthy dish or snack on the table quickly, sometimes without even having to cook. More than 90% of households in the U.S. have a blender, and healthier eating is one of the most popular reasons for using one.

“Staying healthy is multifaceted process that includes managing stress, proper sleep, regular exercise and staying hydrated, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet,” says Dana Angelo White, a sports dietitian and associate clinical professor of athletic training and sports medicine at Quinnipiac University and owner of Dana White Nutrition. “When it comes to food, antioxidant-rich sources help to fight inflammation, and foods high in zinc and vitamins C and D are some of the most coveted immunity-centric nutrients.”

We asked White and Libby Mills, a registered dietitian, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and host of the Libby’s Luncheonette podcast for some of their favorite nutrient-rich blender recipes that can boost your nutrition as the school year picks up.

Pumpkin Orange Ginger Smoothie

“Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods is one of the best things you can do to support your immune system,” Mills says. “A good place to start is by setting a goal to eat seven servings of vegetables and fruits a day.”

This smoothie offers a jolt of nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, protein and vitamin D if you use fortified orange juice or milk, Mills says. “Substituting a plant-based milk for cow’s milk, may or may not have vitamin D. You would have to read the label to know for sure. The pumpkin seeds, along with the milk provided protein, and are also a pretty tasty way to get zinc.”

¼ cup fortified 100% orange juice
½ cup low-fat milk
¼ cup pumpkin puree, or cooked pumpkin
¼ teaspoon grated ginger, peeled
1 small carrot, cut into several pieces
2-3 cubes of ice

2 tablespoons, pumpkin seeds (Save a few to sprinkle on top)

Add juice, milk, pumpkin, ginger, carrot, ice and most of the pumpkin seeds into your blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and top with pumpkin seeds.

“Yogurt (along with a little water) could be substituted for the low-fat milk, which would give you probiotics from its fermentation — also helpful to the immune system,” Mills says.

Roasted Turnip and Turmeric Soup

You will need your range before you use your blender for this one, which White created when her daughter was sick with a cold. “Add this soul warming recipe to your cold and flu season arsenal ASAP,” she writes.

1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded and diced
3 large turnips peeled and diced
2 medium sweet potato peeled and diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bunch fresh oregano
1 small bunch fresh thyme
1 quart chicken stock homemade or low sodium
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
Kosher salt
Black pepper

Preheat oven to 400-degrees F. Place vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste; toss in the fresh herbs and roast for 35 minutes or until vegetables are fork tender. Discard the herbs and place roasted vegetables in a large soup pot. Add stock, cream and turmeric and season with an additional ½ teaspoon salt; stir and bring to a boil. Puree using an immersion blender – taste for seasoning and serve.

Cranberry Rejuvenator with Orange

This recipe, from White’s book “Healthy, Quick & Easy Smoothies, has five ingredients and checks in at under 300 calories. White calls it “a seasonal delight bursting with vitamin C and 10 grams of protein per serving.”

1 cup orange juice preferably, freshly squeezed
1 cup frozen whole cranberries
3/4 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt

In a blender, combine orange juice, cranberries and yogurt. Blend on high speed until smooth. Pour and serve immediately.

Pineapple Mango Chia Shake

1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 medium clementine
2 tsp chia seeds

In a blender, combine almond milk, mango, pineapple, clementine and chia seeds. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Sanitizing Cycles and Other Ways to Kill Illness-causing Bugs

NOTE: NSF was interviewed for the following blog post on cleaning vs. sanitizing. While sanitization cycles are a tool to boost the cleanliness of your home, NSF’s testing of sanitization cycles does not presently include the COVID-19 or coronaviruses.

Anyone shopping for cleaning products that can kill bacteria, viruses and other illness-causing microorganisms these days might find the shelves bare of their favorite cleaning products, as coronavirus fears have led to ongoing hypervigilance about cleaning and sanitizing. So, if you still can’t find a steady supply of antibacterial wipes, the good news is you may already have tools at your fingertips, including the sanitizing cycles on your clothes washer and dishwasher, to kill off many of the bugs that cause colds, flu and other illnesses.

Cleaning vs. Sanitization: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to understand the difference between cleaning and sanitization.

“It’s a misconception that if you’re using vinegar to clean, you’re sanitizing,” says Mindy Costello, a registered environmental health sanitarian and NSF’s consumer product certification specialist. “Cleaning is just removing the soil. In sanitizing, you’re killing the microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi).” If you want to reduce your risk of getting sick, sanitizing is the way to go.

To sanitize your dishes or laundry, both of which can be fertile grounds for viruses and bacteria, the sanitizing cycles on your clothes washer and dishwasher are among your best options. NSF tests both types of appliances for their ability to sanitize. To earn the NSF mark, clothes washers must show that the sanitizing cycle removes 99.9% of microorganisms from laundry. Dishwashers must show a reduction of 99.999%. During testing, three common organisms – staphyloccus aureus, klebsiella pneumoniae, and pseudomonas aeruginosa – added to the loads of dishes or laundry. The level of bacteria is tested afterward. The water in dishwashers that earn the NSF mark for sanitization must reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit during the final rinse and stay at or above that temperature long enough to achieve the 99.999 % reduction.

Consumers who are wondering whether their appliances have been tested for their ability to sanitize should look for the NSF mark and specification that clothes washers have met NSF-P172. For dishwashers, the standard is NSF/ANSI 184. The testing does not include the appliances’ ability to kill coronavirus, Costello says.

What surfaces should you focus on sanitizing?

While laundry (particularly damp laundry and that which has been worn by people who are ill) and dishes could harbor harmful germs and bugs, pay close attention to the surfaces of many of your appliances as well. Some of the more common breeding grounds, according to NSF, are:

Coffeemaker: NSF’s 2011 International Household Germ Study found yeast and mold present in 31% of households studied. In half of those, it was found in the coffee reservoir of the coffeemaker.
Refrigerator: Staphyloccus aureus (staph), a common and potentially harmful type of bacteria, was found in 6.4% of households. In 14% of those homes, it was found on the refrigerator handle.
Stove knobs: Staph was found on stove knobs in 5% of the homes where the bacteria was discovered.

The biggest misconception among the 22 families surveyed during NSF’s study was that the bathroom would be the dirtiest part of the house. In fact, it was the kitchen, with coliform bacteria –indicating possible fecal contamination—found on

More than 75% of dish sponges and rags
45% of kitchen sinks
32% of countertops
18% of cutting boards

Overall, the 10 germiest items in the household, listed in order, were:

Dish sponges/rags
Kitchen sink
Toothbrush holder
Pet bowl
Coffee reservoir
Bathroom faucet handle
Pet toy
Countertop
Stove knobs
Cutting board

So sanitize your laundry and dishes regularly, and pay close attention to laundry and dishes worn and used by people who are ill. Sanitize high-contact surfaces regularly, and do dishes as soon as possible, as bacteria begins to grow after about two hours on soiled dishes left at room temperature, Costello says. There are many kinds of sanitizing products on the market, including those the EPA says will kill coronavirus. To make your own sanitizing cleaner, Costello recommends adding a tablespoon of unscented bleach to a gallon of water.

Sponges and dishrags can be sanitized by heating them in the microwave for two minutes while they’re wet, Costello says.

Fear and anxiety about viruses are running high right now. While there’s no guarantee you won’t get sick, reducing harmful microorganisms in your home can reduce your chances and give you some peace of mind that you’re controlling what you can. Stay calm and keep sanitizing!

This post was updated in August 2021 to reflect the latest sanitization information.

In Every Home