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. Cleaning your home every now and then is not enough, as there are many hazards lurking.
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 do that!
1. Entryway
• Get rid of pollen. Pollen flourishes during the cold season, so it is important to brush it off completely. If you have pets, regularly clean their fur and feet with wet wipes.
• Use washable mats at the front door. Dirt, germs and bacteria get trapped in doormats so it’s important to wash them regularly.
• Keep a basket at the front door for shoes and slippers.
• Take pets to the vet monthly. Have your dogs or cats checked for ticks and fleas at least every month. Give them flea and tick medication regularly to keep bugs and bacteria out of your home and keep pets healthy.
2. Living Room
• Use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters to remove dust, fleas and dust mites.
• Clean floors regularly. Whatever types of floors you have, clean them with a lemon essential oil and water solution. You can also use a solution with mild vinegar and water. Don’t use chemical-based cleaning solutions as they can irritate your lungs.
• Sanitize all hand-held devices such as phones, computer keyboards and TV remotes, as they collect bacteria and germs.
3. Kitchen/Dining Room
• Seal cracks and holes to prevent mice and other rodents from entering your home.
• Change refrigerator filters before they expire. If your fridge has a water dispenser, change its filters every six months to avoid build-up of sediment that may add bacteria to the water.
• Only use BPA-free plastic containers. Plastic containers with BPA, an industrial chemical, may affect fertility in men and women and contribute to cancer and heart problems
4. Bedroom
• Vacuum the mattress and air out your pillows to prevent mites from infesting your bed.
• Don’t put office equipment, like printers, in your bedroom as they can be irritating to the lungs, which won’t allow you to breathe properly and sleep soundly.
• Monitor the humidity in your bedroom. 40-50 percent humidity is ideal for your room since higher humidity can generate mold growth.
• Use a whole-house fan under the roof or in the attic, as it can help remove poor-quality air and attract fresh air.
