Cleaning your home is about more than just making it look nice – it is also about creating a healthier space. Over time, contaminants like pollen, pet dander, and dust can build up inside your space, reducing indoor air quality and potentially making it harder to breathe. This is especially true for people who suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma.
Mold and mildew can also be problematic, contaminating your home and negatively impacting your health. If the surfaces in your home aren’t regularly cleaned, problems with potentially harmful bacteria and microbes can get out of hand, making it harder for you and your loved ones to stay healthy.
Fortunately, there are some simple strategies that you can use to create a healthier, cleaner home. Here are six tips to get you started:
1. Choose the right cleaning products. Avoid harsh, chemical-laden cleaning products. Instead, opt for cleaners that are made using safe, natural ingredients. Some cleaning products give off dangerous fumes and leave behind potentially harmful chemicals. These products can cause everything from minor skin irritation all the way up to organ damage, depending on the degree of exposure. By opting for natural products, you can maintain a clean home without putting your family’s health at risk.
2. Vacuum carpeting at least once a week to remove dust, pet hair, dander, pollen, and other contaminants. Invest in a high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter to keep airborne contaminants to a minimum. Sweep and mop hard floors on a regular basis, as well, to keep them as free as possible from contaminants.
3. Get rid of old chemicals. If you are like most people, you probably have a lot of products that contain chemicals in your home. From leftover supplies from your last painting project to pesticides or herbicides that you used to create a beautiful yard, these products often find their way into basements, garages, or other storage areas. To create a healthier space, dispose of any chemical-based products that you no longer need. Don’t just throw them in the garbage. Instead, contact your local waste management company to find out how to safely dispose of them.
4. Use disinfecting wipes to keep your kitchen clean. At the end of each day, wipe down the handles on your stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances with one of these wipes. Give your countertops a quick once-over, as well, to disinfect them for the following day. Do a more thorough cleaning once a week, moving all of the small appliances on your countertop to clean underneath and behind them.
5. Clean out your garbage can. Emptying the garbage and putting in a new bag isn’t enough. Your garbage can itself can also harbor a lot of germs. Each week, when you take out the garbage, wipe the outside of your garbage can down with a disinfecting wipe or cleaner. Clean the inside of the can on a monthly basis, soaking it with a mixture of vinegar and water to kill off any germs. Allow it to dry thoroughly before putting a new bag in.
6. Vacuum your furniture at least once a month to remove any dust, pet hair, or food debris. Consider washing your curtains every few months, as well, to get rid of any dust or allergens that accumulate in the fibers.
Creating a healthier, cleaner home is easy when you use these six tips. Making just a few simple changes to the way that you clean can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of both yourself and your loved ones. Nothing feels better than knowing that your home is not only clean but that it is also safe for your family.