Most people attribute a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a nutritious diet. But did you also know that there could be harmful germs floating throughout your home? Maintaining a clean and safe household is essential to your health and wellbeing. It’s just as important as physical activity and eating well because it’s where you spend so much of your time.
From houseplants to cleaning your air conditioner filters, these are some ways to create a healthier home.
1. Sanitize and Disinfect Often
Surfaces collect a lot of germs in a day; make it a habit to clean all electronic devices (such as cellular phones, iPads, TV remotes) and doorknobs each night before bed.
You can use antibacterial wipes or a cloth with warm water and soap for doorknobs and other surfaces. Don’t wash your phones or iPads with water — use a microfiber cloth and then gently use a disinfectant wipe.
2. Clean or Replace Air Conditioner Filters
Cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner is crucial to a clean and healthy home. Over time, the AC unit’s evaporator and condenser coils collect dust and dirt. Neglecting to clean the filter regularly could result in severe allergy and health problems. If the filter isn’t cleaned correctly, the dirt and dust particles stuck inside the unit will float through your vents and into your home — and lungs.
Find a local heating and cooling company that offers air conditioner services and maintenance repairs. They’ll check out your unit to ensure that it’s in excellent shape, providing you and your family with clean, healthy air.
3. Fill Your Home with Greenery
When you walk into a plant shop, do you notice a pleasant change in the air — as if suddenly, it’s easier to breathe? Well, you’re not alone. Plants are natural air purifiers because they can remove some of the most common pollutants, such as trichloroethylene, benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde.
You don’t need to visit plant shops to create a similar sensation — you can breathe better in your home by filling it with houseplants.
A green thumb isn’t required because most houseplants are very low-maintenance. Some houseplants to check out include:
- Snake Plants
- Madagascar Dragon Trees
- Ferns
- Aloe Vera Plants
- Lady Palms
- Chinese Evergreens
- Bamboo Palms
If you have cats or dogs, remember to double-check before purchasing any plant to ensure they’re not poisonous or harmful to your little four-legged friends.
4. Change Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are a breeding ground for bacteria, particularly if you cook meat often. Consider replacing your board if it has cutting or scratch marks because it becomes harder to disinfect.
Bacteria can also transfer from the board and collect in the crevices of a knife, enhancing your family’s chance of food borne illness.
Plastic cutting boards collect more bacteria than wood. Although wooden cutting boards are generally more expensive than plastic, it might be a worthwhile investment if cooking is something you enjoy.
To amp up your health and wellness routine, remember to include home maintenance and repair.Paying attention to small details in your home contributes to your holistic health plan, and you’ll breathe better and feel great.
