Dear Annie: Should I clean my vacuum monthly?

Dear Annie: I’m not sure if you print household tips, but the following was really helpful to us this summer:

After reading my small air conditioner unit’s owner’s manual, I always thought that I just needed to clean the filter monthly with a vacuum. After removing the front panel, however, I realized that more extensive cleaning needed to be done. There was quite a bit of dust and grime in there. A six-minute YouTube video helped me to give it a safe, deeper cleaning using household materials.

By unplugging the unit, cleaning the filter with dishwashing liquid in the sink, cleaning the fins gently with a toothbrush and compressed air, and spritzing the outer panel with hydrogen peroxide, the unit was as good as new. After allowing everything to dry and replacing the parts, I then plugged it in. I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence, but colds and upper respiratory issues, which my husband and I had been plagued with over the summer, cleared up within a few days! — Helpful Household Tips

Dear Household Tips: Thank you for these tips on keeping your air quality clean. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that you are having fewer cold and flu issues. Clean air equals clean lungs and body.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].