For so many of us, our homes are where we spend the majority of our time, so it is important to ensure that we are creating a healthy home environment.
It’s time to start adding some items to your to-do list around the house. Factors, if left unaddressed could cause an unsafe and unhealthy environment for you and your family.
Moisture:
Mold loves humid environments, and if there is excessive moisture in the home, it’s bound to grow, especially in corners and ceilings. This can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases skin irritation.
Leaky gutters are another cause of moisture build-up, allowing excess water into your walls, basement, or crawl space. If your gutters aren’t covered, you’ll want to make sure you clean them out regularly.
Poor Ventilation in the Bathroom:
Poor ventilation is caused by keeping the windows closed when showering. You should keep a window open or use a fan when bathing or showering.
Excess moisture can not only cause your paint and wallpaper to detach, but it encourages mold, which can thrive and multiply indoors, damaging your house and potentially your health.
Household cleaners:
As you spray cleaner around the house, it settles on all types of surfaces. Plus, you inhale it as you spritz. In a COVID-19 world, people are cleaning more frequently than ever. The right cleaners are crucial to not only protect against the virus but protect you from being exposed to harsh chemicals. Further, common household chemicals—bath products, dish soap, bleach—can damage your airways and lungs.
Your Vacuum Cleaner:
If you’re using a HEPA filter, you’ll want to make sure you’re changing it every six months or when you notice signs of wear and tear. This will ensure an effective filter, while also preserving the life of the machine.
Vents and Ducts:
Vents harbor a ton of dust from the air, and when you turn on the heat or air conditioning, all those dust particles are redistributed throughout your house. You can take off the vent cover and clean out the grime you can reach, but you’ll want to enlist a professional to thoroughly clean your ducts. The pros use compressed air and air agitators to clear out hard-to-reach dust.
Dusting Correctly:
Vacuuming once a week and wiping down countertops means you’re only making a dent in the dust around your house. It builds up every single day, and the more time you let go by without wiping it up, the more you’re exposing yourself to harmful particles. Use a damp cloth to gather dust as opposed to using a duster (or a dry cloth). Also, be sure to dust from high to low.
A Musty Bedroom:
Although you vacuum and dust, you need to move your chest of drawers, desks, and other furniture to thoroughly clean. Pull your bed away from the wall, and you might be shocked to see just how much crud is collecting just behind your head. And remember to regularly wash your bedding—once every one to two weeks—and make sure you have a good mattress protector. Turn it every couple of months, and vacuum it when you do.
Declutter:
You love throw pillows, coffee table books, and knick-knacks: All these things collect dust, dander, and pollen, and they can contribute to poor air quality in your home. Unless you plan on constantly moving and cleaning all of this, you should consider minimizing your furnishings and collections. Next, find out how often you should be washing your bath towel.
Creating a healthy home for you and your family is an ongoing process.
Great article! I really appreciate the clear and detailed insights you’ve provided on this topic. It’s always refreshing to read content that breaks things down so well, making it easy for readers to grasp even complex ideas. I also found the practical tips you’ve shared to be very helpful. Looking forward to more informative posts like this! Keep up the good work!