Most of us spend a lot of time at home. It’s where we eat, sleep, relax, and live our lives. It’s important for our homes to be comfortable and healthy so that we can live comfortably and maintain good health. While we often associate our health with diet and exercise, there are other external factors that can affect our bodies—like the environments in which we spend a majority of our time. Your home environment can heavily affect your health, so here are 12 ways you can make it a healthier place to live.
Get a Humidifier
Humidifiers aren’t just for sick days. They can help with things like dry skin, trouble breathing, and even fighting off illness. And they do more than help you and your family stay healthy. In fact, humidifiers help your home by strengthening its structure. If your home’s hair doesn’t have the right amount of moisture, it can cause damage and unnecessary wear to its beams and floors. Not to mention, a humid house means you can save a few bucks by easing up on your thermostat.
Sanitize Often
You may already sanitize your cell phone, remotes, and doorknobs. Don’t forget about other surfaces of your home that get touched regularly. Buttons on the microwave or stove, light switches, and car door handles are all commonly grabbed surfaces that we tend to neglect, so be sure to give these spots a good cleaning, too.
Natural Air Fresheners
Most air fresheners contain ingredients that can do more harm than good when it comes to making your home a better place. And regardless of how good some may smell, they are often simply just covering up unpleasant odors. Rather than blast spray chemicals through your home or light a candle, consider making the switch to more natural air freshener options. Essential oils are a great place to start. You can also try making your own oil diffusers or opt for no-burn options, such as wax melters or candle warmers.
Tend to Your Windows
When it comes to cleaning your windows, keep in mind that they are more than just glass. For starters, keep the windowsills and cracks free of dirt and bugs, and make sure they are sealed tight to keep out unwanted pests and cold, drafty air. Be sure to dust your blinds, and vacuum or launder the curtains or drapes as the need arises. And lastly, keep the outside of your windows clean and ensure that all window wells are free of debris.
Steam Clean
There are loads of great reasons to use steam as a cleaning tool. For one, steam helps to kill bacteria, mold, and fungi. Steam is great for upholstery cleaning and it is also a mega-powerful stain remover and odor eliminator. It’s also extremely versatile because it can be used to clean a wide variety of surfaces, such as tile, upholstery, and even hardwood floors.
Check Your Alarms
While you may not think too often about your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, you’ll be glad you kept up on their maintenance should you ever need them. Check their batteries and test them often. While you’re at it, make sure that everyone in the home knows your family’s emergency plan and how to use the fire extinguisher.
Ward Off Dust Mites
Mites aren’t just annoying—they can also be your allergies’ worst nightmare. Keep dust mites at bay by regularly cleaning carpets and other upholstery. Make sure you launder your bedding often. Your sheets should be washed every two weeks, and you should swap your pillowcases out more often than that. Your mattress cover and duvet cover should be cleaned about once a month, and the duvet itself as needed.
Rethink Your Shower Curtain
Not only do plastic shower curtain liners contain harmful chemicals, but they can also hold onto unwanted germs. Make the switch to a longer-lasting option, such as a washable fabric. Not only will they allow for easier cleaning, but they will also save you money in the long run. Instead of buying a new liner when hard water builds up, you can simply throw it in the washer for a fresh feel.
Naturally Clean
Take a break from your usual household cleaning products and opt for some natural stand-ins. One great possibility is vinegar, which can be used as a counter spray or mopping solution. You can even add in a few drops of lemon, tea tree, or lavender oil for an extra-fresh scent.
Round-Up Old Chemicals
Take a careful look through your garage for any old, half-used bottles of chemicals and (safely) dispose of ones you no longer use. If you’re not sure how to correctly dispose of a specific chemical, your local dump or waste management company can help point you in the right direction.
Manual Mow
Take the health factor of your yard work into your own hands: literally. Not only will you reduce your emissions and save money on gas with an old-fashioned mower, but you’ll get some exercise along with your lawn care, as well.
Go Green
Plants are one of the easiest ways to make your home a healthier place to live. They’re a quick way to beautify a space and can help to relieve stress. They also supply wonderful benefits when it comes to improving the air quality of your family’s home. Spider plants, snake leaves, and bamboo are just a few of the great options that are both healthy and easy to care for.