5 Ways To Keep Your Home Healthy

If you are frequently ill or find yourself not feeling quite right the majority of the time, your house could be the culprit. While our homes make us feel safe, they can be full of unseen elements that have the potential to make any occupant ill. 

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to make your home as healthy as possible for you, your family and your guests. Follow these five tips to turn your home from hazardous to healthy today.

Lock It Up

Any toxic or poisonous product in your home should be locked up. According to medical professionals, more than one million children are poisoned every year due to ingestion of common household items. You may already have your cleansers tucked away, but you should do the same for any medication, vitamins, perfumes, bath oils, mouthwashes, and caustic cosmetic items.

Remember that not all dangerous items will have a familiar skull and crossbones warning. If it contains alcohol or any dangerous ingredient, it should not be within reach of children or pets.

The Right Pesticides

No one wants to live with pests in their home. Rats, mice, cockroaches, or ants, they are all a nuisance. If your first instinct is to grab a can of spray, stop yourself. Before you let harmful chemicals loose into your home’s interior, consider a few alternatives. Fix any leaks and mop up spilled water. Seal your windows and doors to prevent spaces for insects and rodents to enter. Make sure food is put away, trash is covered, and your house is generally free of clutter. When you must use a pesticide use a gel, bait or trap.

Clean the Carpets

Carpets are a virtual breeding ground for allergens. From pet hair and dander to dust mites and pollen, your carpet fibers trap even the things you cannot see. If anyone in your home is suffering with respiratory issues, your carpets could be the culprit. You can rent a carpet cleaner from your local home improvement store. If you do not have the time to clean them yourself, professional carpet cleaners can do the job for you.

Vacuum your carpets no less than once each week. Your carpets should be deep cleaned at least once every six months. Put yourself on a more frequent schedule if anyone in your home has environmental or pet allergies.

Mold Remedy

Be on the lookout for any leaks or standing water inside of your home. Water spots on the ceilings or walls are a good indication that you have a problem. If our house is damp, run a dehumidifier daily. If you have a leaky pipe, make sure to get it fixed as soon as possible. Be especially vigilant for moisture problems in your bathroom. If you do not have a bathroom exhaust that is releasing steam and moisture through your roof, have one installed.

Any signs of mold should be inspected by a professional immediately. Mold allowed to build up can become toxic to any humans and pets living inside your house. A professional experienced in removing mold can give you the best advice for fixing your issues.

Replace Filters

If you have filters on your furnace or cooling unit, be sure that you are replacing them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Filters cannot do their job if they have dirt and debris accumulated on them. You may need to replace filters more often than the manufacturer suggests if you have multiple pets.

If you want to keep yourself and your family healthy, you have to make your home healthy. A house can be filled with dirt and debris, even if you cannot see it. Follow these tips to make your home as clean and safe as possible for everyone who lives in it.