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5 Tips for a healthy home

November 15, 2020

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As we’re now in the cooler months of fall (and not to mention flu season), we all feel a responsibility to keep our families healthy where they feel the safest: at home. So, what makes a home healthy, and what can you do to make your home a safe haven for loved ones? Use these five tips to keep your home healthy all year long.

1. Clean the air
When your home doesn’t have adequate ventilation, you run the risk of trapping and harboring transmittable airborne viral droplets like the flu, as well as allergens, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. You may think that your cozy home has clean air, but the truth is Indoor air can actually be more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air quality also tends to be worse in the winter due to less natural air circulating around your home. To improve indoor air quality, open your windows as often as possible to let fresh air in, replace air filters on time, invest in an air purifier, and dust and vacuum regularly.

2. Filter your water
Did you know that tap water is full of contaminants? While it’s not harmful to drink tap water occasionally, repeated exposure over time can lead to negative health effects. Also known as “hard water,” tap water is high in minerals and chlorine, which can be harsh on your appliances and fixtures. Not to mention, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. This is more noticeable in older homes, many of which were built with lead pipes that can add toxins to your water. If your water tastes bad, doesn’t clean well, and leaves ugly scum residue, invest in a whole home water filter or a carbon filter for your kitchen sink.

3. Ditch the chemicals
Keeping your home clean is essential to keeping a healthy environment. Unfortunately, many popular household cleaning products including soaps, furniture polishes, detergents, and even air fresheners contain harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bleach, and ammonia. These chemicals can irritate your mouth, nose and throat. They can also linger in the air long after you’re finished cleaning. Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals can cause negative health effects including respiratory distress, asthma, and even cancer. When cleaning your home, make sure you read the labels first and avoid anything that contains harmful chemicals, fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients. 

4. Control the humidity
Keeping humidity levels balanced is a must in every home. Humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. Anything higher or lower can have damaging effects on your home and your health. High humidity or moisture can lead to the build-up of mold and mildew, which will release toxic mold spores throughout your home. If your humidity is high, check for leaky pipes and faucets, increase ventilation, and use a dehumidifier. On the other hand, low humidity can lead to dry skin and hair, and make you more susceptible to colds and viruses like influenza. If your humidity is low, use a humidifier and check for any cracks in your windows and doors where dry air could be getting in.

5. Keep it safe and clean
Your home hygiene is key to having a healthy place to live. Don’t wait until your house gets messy to start cleaning. By keeping up with daily cleaning tasks, it will be easier to maintain a tidy and clean home. Organize your cabinets and closets so insects and rodents don't have a place to hide. Keep your floors clear of cords, shoes, toys, and other clutter. Pay attention to the dark corners of your home that can attract dust and pests. It’s the stuff you can’t really see that poses the biggest threat.

Caliber Living Fall 🍂 2020


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