Tips For A Safe And Healthy Home

Someone has rightly said, "There is nothing more important than a good, safe and secure home."

A home is the most comfortable space to be in, where all family members feel completely at peace, whether they are going about their everyday chores or simply relaxing. However, there are a lot of potential threats and dangers that may cause harm, if not checked. Different viruses, bacteria and pests may be lurking around the corner without our knowledge. Homes can also be subject to radiation. Thus, it becomes essential to take protective measures to ensure a safe and healthy home.

Let’s first understand the general tips you should follow-

1. Ventilation and air quality are important

Modern homes are built in such a way that they don’t allow enough air to circulate. This means that the homes need to be air-conditioned. It also means that they become susceptible to bacteria as there is lesser sunlight and lesser flow of air. One shocking revelation is that your air indoors could be more harmful than the air outdoors. Remember the air freshener that makes your home smell amazing? Those are nothing but chemicals that do more harm than good. Hoarding things, especially during monsoons, can also cause the build-up of mold and allergens that further deteriorate the air quality.

So, what can you do? You should use indoor plants that add fresh air to your home. Keep your windows open during the day, instead of keeping the AC on the entire day. If you want to eliminate odors, you can use organic air purifying products or simply lay out a box of baking soda in the open. You can also use air purifying appliances that can help to filter out contaminants and pollutants. Get a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter that can clear dust and pollen from different surfaces. Ensure that your home is free of smoke and use separate footwear when inside the house.

2. Maintain good water quality

Whether you use water for drinking or for everyday uses, it is necessary that it should be safe for consumption. Often, water quality that flows into households is compromised. Many places suffer from problems of hard water i.e. the water has too many minerals that can cause scaling and deposits and can make cleaning very difficult. The quality of water also affects the performance of other appliances.

Let’s understand what you can do from your end. Install a filter to remove pollutants from drinking water. Change your filters periodically as there can be a build-up of bacteria that can leach into your water. Use a water softener for making water usable. If you want to carry and store drinking water, use stainless steel bottles as plastic bottles can release harmful chemicals if reused for a long period.

3. Minimize radiation

With the number of appliances we use today, it’s natural that there will be exposure to radiation which can affect one’s health in the long run.

You should maintain a minimum distance from the television and computers. Always go for screens like LEDs and the ones that are matte which don’t put pressure on the eyes. Try to limit your exposure to electronic devices. Electric blankets are great for warming but emit a magnetic field. Thus, when you go to sleep, make it a point to turn it off. Avoid placing your mobile right next to your pillow and don’t use wireless headphones for too long as the signals are considered carcinogenic. If possible, use a battery-operated clock instead of an electric one. Your microwave can also emit harmful rays, especially if it’s malfunctioning. Make sure you place a lid on top of the dish you want to microwave and also don’t lean against the appliance. Turn off the WIFI, appliances that are not needed or appliances that are plugged in, at night.

4. Prevent mold build-up

Mold can form easily, especially in washrooms. Any kind of leakage, moisture and flooding can cause mold in the house.

There are a number of steps you can take from your end to solve or prevent this problem. Use the exhaust fan in your bathroom to get rid of after-shower humidity. Don’t leave wet towels hanging. Fix any leaky pipes. Remove drip trays under ACs and refrigerators. Wipe any condensation in your home. Make sure your utensils and pipes remain dry when not in use.

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Now let’s understand how to keep your home, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms clean.

Keeping the house clean

• There are certain areas you need to pay attention to. The doorknobs and remote controls are touched by almost everyone and can carry the staph bacteria. Wipe the knobs in your house with cleaners and you should be able to prevent diseases.

• Make sure your house does not have elements that contain the harmful lead, that can cause a host of health issues.

• Vacuum your carpets to prevent allergies and dust build-up. If your carpet emits VOCs, consider investing in an air-purifier or use house plants that filter toxins.

Keeping the kitchen clean

• The kitchen is one place where every surface becomes a host for most of the germs. Contaminants accumulate in the kitchen as it is constantly exposed to cut foods and moisture.

• Clean your sponge by placing it in the dishwasher. You can also wet it and place it in the microwave. Squeeze it out and let it dry properly. Use a microfiber cloth for wiping water droplets.

• Keep your cutting boards for raw vegetables and raw meat separate.

• All surfaces should be kept clean and sanitized right after you finish cooking. Use bleach and wipe down the counter with soap and water.

• Cover exposed food with a lid, use airtight jars for storage and don’t keep trash in your house for more than a day.

Keeping the bedroom clean

• Dust can easily get collected in your bedroom. If you have pets in the house, your bedroom can get dirty very fast and can become full of pet hair strands. Bed bugs can creep in too through nook and corners.

• You should use zippered plastic mattresses and wash all your pillow covers.

• Use the highest temperature cycle in the washing machine to wash all bedsheets.

• Vacuum mattresses periodically.

• Avoid eating in your bedroom as the food crumbs can attract ants.

Keeping the bathroom clean

• The bathroom is the most susceptible place for germs and dirt. You can use a toilet cleaner to keep the bowl, seat and walls clean, but the flush handle is one part that is often ignored. Many pests like rotavirus can thrive in the corners.

• Mold can also form easily as a bathroom has wet surfaces. Use a disinfectant and wash shower curtains every week.

• You should also clear tissues and other waste as soon as you can to avoid breeding of germs.

• Don’t keep your toothbrushes and toiletries near the pot.

Follow these tips to ensure that your home remains a safe and healthy space. The bigger the home, the greater are the cleaning efforts required. However, a little cleaning everyday will go a long way and will keep diseases at bay.