If you're one that doesn't like to do, or doesn't have time for, regular cleaning chores, then you might want to reconsider. You may think that it doesn't really matter if you don't dust, vacuum, wash the floors, or do all the small things for a while, as long as you keep things organized and everything looks nice. However, cleaning is not just about how things look; it's also about keeping your home healthy. Here are some things that can happen if you never or rarely do most of the basic cleaning chores.

Dust and dust mites build up:

Dust will begin to build up on things that you rarely use or touch, such as along the top of the doorways and along mirrors and picture frames. Dust will also visibly build up on parts of the carpet which are rarely walked on. Combine this with the accumulation of other irritants, such as pet dander and pollen, and you'll have a perfect environment for a large contingent of dust mites. If you have allergies, these mites will make your life miserable and increase your allergyy symptoms. The more dust you have, the more mites you'll probably have.

Your bathroom will be a health hazard:

If you neglect your bathroom, then you're asking for a build-up of extremely hazardous organisms. Mold, bacteria, and fungi can all build up in your bathroom if you don't clean it regularly. All of these things can actually make you sick enough to need a trip to the doctor or emergency room. Of particular note are things like streptococcus and staph, which thrive in wet bathtubs and other places where it never really gets completely dry.

Bugs and bacteria will be attracted to messes in your kitchen:

Even if you take your trash out and keep your kitchen fairly organized, if you never wash your floor, clean out your sink, wipe your counters, or clean spills in your refrigerator, then you will have serious problems. For example, bacteria and mold will grow on any spills in the refrigerator, especially if there's any moisture. This could possibly contaminate some of the food you store in there. If you spill anything sweet on your counter, even if you clean up the actual food source, you may still attract ants and flies. This is also true with food that spilled and stuck to the floor and was not really cleaned up.

Fortunately, all of these things can be improved if you have a regular cleaning schedule. If you think you don't have the time to do this type of cleaning, then there are professionals who will do it for you. Even better, there are professionals who specialize in eco-friendly cleaning, which can be an added bonus if you have allergies. These companies use cleaning agents which are effective, yet won't affect your health. That way, you can keep your home—and yourself—healthy.