While most people assume that cleaning up the home will make it a healthier place, this is only true if you’re using the right tactics. If you’re cleaning with dirty supplies or dangerous products, your efforts may do more harm than good. These tips will help you adjust your home cleaning routines for a healthier approach to a fresh home.
Clean Your Cleaning Supplies
Image via Flickr by gosheshe
Many people are so focused on cleaning other items and surfaces in their homes that they forget to address the very things they’re using to do the job in the first place. When was the last time you cleaned your cleaning supplies? You can keep your sponge fresh by tossing it in the dishwasher or microwaving it for about two minutes while wet. Your vacuum cleaner is another major cleaning tool that needs regular care of its own. Empty and wipe out the canister when it’s 2/3 full. Change or wash the filter about once a month. Turn the vacuum over and carefully snip away hair, strings, and other items that are caught around the brush roll. Wipe down the outside of the vacuum with a damp cloth to collect the accumulated dust.
Your vacuum cleaner is another major cleaning tool that needs regular care of its own. Empty and wipe out the canister when it’s 2/3 full. Change or wash the filter about once a month. Turn the vacuum over and carefully snip away hair, strings, and other items that are caught around the brush roll. Wipe down the outside of the vacuum with a damp cloth to collect the accumulated dust.
Use Green Products
Many conventional commercial cleaning products are packed with potentially hazardous chemicals. You can take a safer and healthier approach to your home cleaning routine by switching to eco-friendly commercial products or your own homemade solutions. Baking soda, Borax, white vinegar, washing soda, lemon, and salt are the primary ingredients in many homemade cleaning products. With these essentials on hand, you can tackle most stains and effectively sanitize and deodorize your home.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Air is an unseen element of the home, but it requires as much cleaning as anything else. In fact, your air often suffers as a result of other cleaning activities. Vacuuming and dusting stir up airborne particles that can irritate the lungs, particularly for children, the elderly, asthma sufferers, or those with allergies. Keep your HVAC system running while you clean so the fan will pull dust into your system and through the filter. Make sure you change the filter in your HVAC system every one to three months so it can do this job effectively. An indoor air cleaner such as a whole-home air purifier can eliminate smaller irritants from the air if you feel that your filter isn’t doing an adequate job. Headaches, sinus irritation, skin problems, and even nausea can result from persistently poor indoor air quality.
Switch to Natural Air Fresheners
If your home is smelling a bit stale, freshen things up with natural ingredients instead of turning to a commercial spray or candle. Simmering spices, fruit peels, and essential oils in a slow cooker or sauce pan is an easy way to add a wonderful scent to your home. You can customize your blend to suit any mood or season. With the right tools and strategies, you can keep your home clean and healthy at once. Make sure you know what you’re using in and around the house so you can make smart choices for all-around wellness.
Thanks for these tips!