We look at our home as a place that is safe and healthy by nature, but is it really so? Very often we are exposed to indoor air pollutants and other health threats, which can be even more dangerous than the outdoor ones simply because we spend so much time inside our home. However, while there is not much you can do about the outdoor threats, you can successfully eliminate the indoor hazards, but only if you know what you are dealing with and the best way in which to address it.
Here are seven ways to make your home healthy and safe.
Change Your Cleaning Habits
If you want to change anything, you must start with your own habits. Of course, it is easier to go to a store and buy the products everyone else is using, but what if we told you that an average household cleaner contains more than 60 toxic chemicals, including ingredients that are linked to cancer, asthma and reproductive disorders? Surely knowing this, you would then reconsider switching to natural cleaning solutions like essential oils, lemon, vinegar and baking soda. And if you use the services of a professional cleaner, such as Cleanzen for example, you are completely within your rights to ask them about the products they use and whether they are environmentally friendly and toxin free.
Introduce Houseplants
Although houseplants are often considered as part of the décor, when you consider their benefits, they become a matter of necessity. It is well known that indoor plants can purify the air by absorbing toxins. Plants also use the carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. Keep in mind, though, that some plants reverse that process during the night, so if you’re going to keep a plant in your bedroom, make sure it is an orchid or a succulent as they continue to release oxygen during the night.
Purify the Air
Besides houseplants, there are other ways to purify the air inside your home. The most natural one is regular ventilation through windows and ventilation fans. Furthermore, heavy fabrics can contain a lot of dust and dust mites so it’s advisable to get rid of them if possible. Additionally, getting an air purifier that can filter out pollutant particles is always a good idea.
Address the Lighting Issue
Did you know that lighting can both strengthen and disrupt the circadian rhythm? Too bright lights can impact your sleep, and when enhanced by city lights outside, they may cause serious sleep deprivation. Solve this issue by installing mild lights with dimmers in your bedroom, blocking out the outdoor lights with heavy drapes or window treatments, and even getting an eye mask.
Ensure Safe and Clean Water
Most of the local water companies in developed countries are filtering drinking water. However, there can still be some remains of various chemicals such as chlorine, lead, pesticides and Escherichia coli. The solution for that is obviously a filter for your tap water, but many of the available filters also use chemicals like chlorine to clean water. The best alternative is a reliable UV home water treatment which uses the power of UV light to purify the water.
Get Rid of Moisture
When moisture enters your home it creates an environment in which mould and pests thrive, both of which can cause respiratory problems and even lead to structural damage of the house. You will prevent these hazards by keeping your home dry (fix all water leaks, maintain humidity below 50%, seal the air around your windows, use exhaust fans and check your basement for drainage system).
Keep Your Home Pest-Free
Controlling the moisture will only fix the pest problem to a certain degree. Many pests, such as cockroaches and mice can survive in a non-humid environment too. If left unchecked for too long, they can aggravate asthma and cause other health problems. Make your home less inviting for them by sealing any cracks in your walls, door frames and windows, eliminating sources of food (e.g. keeping leftovers air-tight containers), using trash containers with sealable covers and removing clutter.
These seven steps will help you turn your home into the safe place it was always meant to be. To put it simply: in order to be healthy, your home should be green and clean.
Lana Hawkins is a crafty girl and an architecture student from Sydney. She enjoys writing about home improvement projects, as well as landscaping. In her free time, Lana loves cooking for her family and friends.
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