The coziness of your linen-draped bed, the lively green indoor plants, and the warm hues of your walls – all make your home a haven. And so, you like spending most of your time curled in your daybed, cooking your favorite weeknight meals, and unwinding with a movie night for two. But did you know dangers are lurking in the corners of your beloved abode as well? That’s right; a healthy home involves more than just aesthetically pleasing décor. Many factors can affect your health, from indoor air quality to the material of your walls. But don’t despair! You can ensure your home is as healthy and safe as possible with a few simple tips.
Inspect Your Home for Asbestos
Is your home an old construction from around the 1980s? If so, you must get it inspected by a professional for the presence of asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-proof construction material used in concrete, drywall, or insulation. Roofing materials and gaskets too may have asbestos in them. Although strong and chemical-resistant, it is highly toxic. Exposure to asbestos increases a person’s chances of developing a rare health condition called mesothelioma. You can take legal action against mesothelioma-related wrongdoings. With the help of a lawyer, you can receive good mesothelioma settlement amounts and get financial assistance for treatments.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
It might be a surprise to know that indoor air quality can be more compromised than outdoor air. It is because most homes aren’t adequately ventilated, trapping airborne pollutants from paint fumes and cleaning products inside. And if you’re a smoker (or share a house with one), the air quality will be even worse.
So, to maintain healthy indoor air, open windows, and doors to let in the fresh air. You can also use an air purifier, preferably one with a HEPA filter, to make sure the air is clean and dust-free. Don’t forget to schedule a seasonal air filter cleaning and maintenance. It is recommended to do so every three months to ensure optimal air quality in your home.
Another excellent way to improve air quality while uplifting the aesthetics of your space is by keeping plants, such as peace lilies and spider plants. Not only are they attractive, but studies have suggested that certain houseplants can help filter out pollutants.
Reduce the Number of Pesticides You Use
When it comes to pests, most people’s first instinct is to reach for the chemical spray. But do you know pesticides are linked to acute and chronic health conditions such as headaches, dizziness, and asthma? There are also chances of facing birth defects, neurological and developmental toxicity, and issues with the endocrine system. And so, you must reduce your use of these toxic chemicals and try some natural pest control methods.
For instance, you can use a mixture of garlic and hot pepper to repel spiders. Or keep the kitchen and bathroom surfaces clean to prevent ants from entering your home. If you have larger pests like rats, invest in humane traps to catch them and let them go far away from your home.
Essential oils like peppermint and clove are also useful natural pesticides. You can diffuse them around your house or mix them with water for a repellent spray.
Create a Safe and Non-Toxic Kitchen Environment
The kitchen is where happiness is served in bowls and plates. But the chemical residues from conventional cleaning products can make it less safe, especially if you have kids around.
To create a healthier kitchen, replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel. Plastic containers contain BPA and phthalates that can leach into food when heated.
Next, remove chemical cleaners and switch to natural products like white vinegar and baking soda to clean surfaces. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and essential oils to make your cleaning solutions.
Finally, make sure you don’t bring toxins into your kitchen. Eating organic food is a great way to reduce exposure to harmful pesticides and other chemicals. You can start your herbal garden in your kitchen and use fresh herbs for cooking yummy meals. Cilantro, parsley, basil, and mint are some of the easiest to grow.
Declutter and Organize
Clutter creates more chaos than you think. Not only does it make your living space look unappealing, but it can also hurt your mental and emotional health. Moreover, let’s not forget about the risks of falls and accidents due to piles of mess.
So take some time out, and start organizing your home. Getting rid of unnecessary items that are just taking up space is a good start. Look for clothes, books, old magazines, and decorations you haven’t used in a long time and let them go. You can donate them or sell them online.
Then, start organizing what’s left with proper storage solutions, such as shelves and containers for your closets, drawers, and cupboards. Labeling items can also help you stay organized. Finally, do regular deep cleaning sessions to keep up with your decluttering routine.
Final Thoughts
Creating a healthier home is not rocket science. A few simple steps can go a long way in ensuring that your family and pets breathe easily at all times. Inspecting your home for asbestos, Improving indoor air quality, reducing the number of pesticides you use, creating a safe and non-toxic kitchen environment, and decluttering and organizing things are some of the best tips to maintain a healthier, safer and more comfortable home for you and your loved ones.
We suggest you take one step at a time, and soon enough, you’ll have a clean and toxin-free home that won’t just make you feel good but also look great. If you need any help, professionals are waiting to assist. From pest control to other measures, they can help you identify and eliminate any health hazard in your home. So, don’t be afraid to seek out assistance when necessary.
