Checklist to Clean Your Home and Improve Air Quality

Building your dream home doesn’t end with decorating rooms, organizing furniture, and buying high-end appliances.

While your home’s appearance is important, it also has to be completely clean and foster a healthy environment. Simply cleaning your home every now and then is not enough, as there are many hazards lurking that can negatively impact your health and safety.

If you want your home to be free from safety and health hazards, make sure it is clean, dry, well-ventilated, pest-free, contaminant-free, well-maintained, and efficient.

Here are tips to help you achieve a clean, healthy home environment:

1. Entryway

The entryway to your home is where outside contaminants like dirt, pollen, and germs easily enter. Be diligent about removing these hazards to prevent spreading them further into your home.

• Remove pollen from clothing, shoes, pet fur, etc. Pollen levels increase in cold weather, so thoroughly removing it is important. Use wet wipes on pets. Removing outdoor contaminants in the entry prevents spreading them to the rest of the home.
• Use washable entry mats. Wash them regularly since they trap dirt, germs, and bacteria.
• Keep a basket for shoes and slippers near the entry. This prevents tracking of contaminants.
• Take pets to the vet monthly for flea, tick, and pest checks. Give them preventative medication regularly to keep your home healthy.

2. Living Room

Your living room should be a clean and healthy family gathering space. Regularly eliminate dust, allergens, and germ buildup.

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture dust mites, fleas, dust, and other microscopic allergens.
• Clean floors regularly with natural solutions like lemon/water or vinegar/water. Avoid irritating chemical cleaners.
• Sanitize frequently touched surfaces that harbor germs and bacteria.

3. Kitchen/Dining Room

As a central spot for cooking and eating, it's critical to keep the kitchen contaminant-free. Watch for pests, food storage issues, and appliance filter maintenance.

• Seal cracks and holes to keep out rodents that spread disease and contaminate food.
• Change refrigerator water filters every 6 months before they expire to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
• Use only BPA-free plastic containers and cookware. BPA can negatively impact your health over time.

4. Bedroom

Your bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary. Make it a healthy space as well by taking steps to improve air quality and reduce allergens.

• Vacuum mattresses and pillows regularly to remove asthma-triggering dust mites.
• Don't put printers or electronics in bedrooms, as they decrease air quality.
• Monitor humidity levels, ideally 40-50%. High humidity encourages mold growth that impacts your respiratory health.
• Install whole-house fans to improve air circulation.

5. Bathroom

Bathrooms require regular deep cleaning to inhibit mold growth and germ spread. Use safe, natural cleaners when possible.

• Fix cracked tiles and failing seals to prevent mold growth behind walls.
• Avoid cleaners with chlorine or ammonia, which irritate your lungs.
• Sanitize faucets regularly with hydrogen peroxide to kill flu-causing germs.
• Use polyester or nylon shower curtains instead of vinyl curtains containing harmful phthalates.
• Clean grout with natural cleaners like baking soda to avoid toxins.

6. Playroom/Kids’ Room

Kids' rooms and play areas require diligent cleaning and sanitizing to protect children's health. Routinely eliminate hazards like lead paint chips, dust, and germs.

• Regularly vacuum and dust to remove allergens and hazards like lead dust.
• Test for lead paint in older homes. Lead harms kids' health.
• Frequently disinfect kids' items that are prone to germs.

7. Basement and Crawl Space

Damp, confined basement, and crawl space areas are prone to mold growth and lingering pollutants. Monitor these hazardous conditions closely.

• Test for radon gas, especially if household members smoke, since it causes lung cancer.
• Clean furnace filters quarterly to capture circulating allergens.
• Inspect for peeling asbestos insulation which requires professional removal.
• Use a dehumidifier to prevent dampness and mold.

8. Laundry Room

Laundry cleaning and handling requires precautions as it can circulate allergens and spread illness.

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites. This removes allergens that trigger asthma and allergies.
• Wash hands after handling dirty laundry to avoid spreading illness.

9. Garden

Your outdoor spaces need routine maintenance, too, for safety and pest prevention. Take steps to care for your lawn, plants, and pools.

• Rapidly remove fallen leaves and weeds to prevent pests and diseases. Routinely inspect your plants.
• Clean your pool and use an efficient pump regularly to prevent hazardous algae growth.

So, Is Maintaining a Clean, Healthy Home Environment Worth the Effort?

Absolutely. Prioritizing home cleaning and maintenance can significantly improve your health and quality of life. Good indoor air quality reduces allergy and asthma triggers. A pest-free home prevents disease transmission and contamination dangers. Fixing water damage promptly helps inhibit mold growth. Overall, a clean home is a safer, healthier home that protects your family's well-being. Putting in the effort provides peace of mind and has lifelong benefits.