Balls, garlands, tinsel, lights, stars, figurines and other decorations… That’s all that should decorate the Christmas tree, and never insects, mites, spiders, germs and bacteria. According to a study, they could have up to 25,000 of these undesirable presences.
It’s not your typical April Fool’s joke, but there are many people who unknowingly have a Christmas allergy. Just as it sounds. Nor is it something to do with Santa’s hat, nor is it related to reindeer and camel hair or nerves until the Three Wise Men arrive. Curious, but it happens. It comes early, at the beginning of December, which is when the houses start to be decorated,
commercial premises, restaurants
restaurants,
hotels
and all the streets… Unmistakable atmosphere. Balls, garlands, tinsel, lights and Bethlehem portals with all their figures, but above all trees. That is usually where the biggest problem lies. It is opening the box or the bags where it is kept and the itchy nose and eyes, watering eyes, nasal congestion and the annoying and unexpected sneezing start.
Fir trees, but also pine trees… According to a study conducted by the State University of New York, up to 53 different types of molds can be found on a natural Christmas tree, 70% of which can trigger some kind of allergic reaction.
This is a full-blown allergy, just at the moment when the magic and the illusion of preparing and starting Christmas begins. Not that it’s all that strange. It happens much more often than you might think. It has its explanation and it is very simple. They have been stored in boxes and storage rooms for approximately 11 months accumulating dust and, therefore, dust mites. That is if the tree is artificial, because if it is natural it can be worse. In addition, each of the specimens could harbor up to 25,000 unwanted presences such as insects, including psocoptera, moths and spiders. Many more than the number of figures in the Bethlehem portal. The same goes for the rest of the decorative elements. In addition, during the whole time, more than 30 days, that ambient homes continue to accumulate more dust, dust mites and dirt.
The importance of cleaning all Christmas decorations
By the way, the best day to put it is December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception. That is what tradition dictates, just as the Three Wise Men should not arrive at the manger of any recreation of the Bethlehem portal until the night of January 5. These two dates are important because they are also the ones when all the ornaments and figures should be cleaned. Before using them and afterwards to store them until next year. It is not customary to do so. They usually go from the storage room directly to the living room and then in reverse, but on the way, few are those who at least pass them a
duster, rag or cloth
. Much less wash them in depth to kill so many germs, insects and bacteria that, as in everything that surrounds man, also have them. In addition, in the cleaning of all these types of objects there is a particularity.
For this reason, another study conducted by the UK Asthma Charity Association (Asthma UK) points out that during the month of December the number of lung diseases, rhinitis and conjunctivitis increase considerably.
How to clean a Christmas tree and the best products for cleaning it
Most of them are very sensitive and emotionally charged. They are almost like family and have been incorporated little by little. Memories of trips, gifts from people close to you… and, most importantly, they have been part of Christmas in every home for a long time. They have always been there during all family celebrations. Therefore, not everything goes when it comes to cleaning. Using an unsuitable product may deteriorate the shapes or colors and rough handling may end up accidentally breaking them. In addition, they are made from an infinite number of materials, from glass and porcelain to wood, plastics or textiles. They all have their own characteristics, but even so, you can follow a series of indications to make them shine like never before.
- Trees, ornaments and other figures: The main thing is to remove dust and possible mold spores to prevent mold reproduction. Therefore, whether natural or artificial, the ideal is to do it outdoors and better with the help of a dryer than a vacuum cleaner. In addition, it is recommended, if possible, to wash them thoroughly with an antistatic cleaner to prevent further build-up while they occupy a privileged place in the living room.
- Christmas lights: Untangle and wash. Important, because dust accumulation can also affect the normal operation of all electrical accessories. As well as water or humidity. Therefore, the level of protection against these elements must be checked before cleaning. Not all have the same and it is specified on the lights themselves.
Everything so that they continue to shine as always and do not stop shining at any time like the star that guides the Magi on their way to Bethlehem. Of course, we must not forget that Christmas is closely related to nature. From the snow of Lapland where the fir trees and Santa Claus’ reindeer grow to the desert sand trodden by the camels themselves. Holly, galceran, moss, mistletoe… Always in tune with the environment and, therefore, it is something to take into account when cleaning them. For this reason, G2 Green
G2 Green
products are highly concentrated in active ingredients and are committed to sustainable development to meet today’s needs without compromising the natural resources and possibilities of future generations.
The best proof of this business philosophy is its complete range of Ecolabel
Ecolabel cleaners
so that Christmas remains just that, white Christmas, but also green and sustainable.
Think big, clean green!
