Living in a healthy environment is important, as home is the place where most people spend the majority of their time. Just because a home looks clean, does not always mean that it is safe or clean. There are countless hidden dangers that can lurk in our home’s air, in the walls, or in the carpets. The best defense against such predators is knowledge.
As Spring turns into Summer and the pollen levels in the air get crazy, it is crucial to understand the natural ways to combat the natural irritants. Take a moment, and read over this short overview of a few of the most useful and inexpensive ways to create a healthier home environment.
Get to know basic natural cleaners
There are a plethora of homemade recipes for cleaning products that do not involve the use of harsh chemicals that release harmful toxins into the air. There should not be a reason to turn on all the fans in the house just to clean one room without getting high. Try more natural cleaners.
All-purpose recipe – Dissolve 4 tbsp of baking soda in 1 liter of warm water.
Alternative drain cleaner – Pour cup of baking soda into the drain, and add cup of white vinegar. Close off the drain for 5-10 minutes, then furiously flush the drain with hot water. Of course, some heavily blocked drains will need professional intervention from someone like this drain cleaning Lynchburg plumbing company, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try a home method initially!
Cleaning the toilet – Mix lemon juice with borax to form a paste. Apply the mixture, and let it set for 1-2 hours before scrubbing and rinsing.
Dust mites and moths are annoying and unhealthy
Dust mites feed off of our dead, sloughed-off skin cells. They are nasty little buggers, and their droppings can be very irritating to our allergies. Though it may seem difficult to fight against this unseen foe, there are a few easy solutions to the problem.
Vacuuming rugs, carpets, and furniture upholstery regularly will greatly reduce the level of allergens in the home, and consequently ward against carpet moths. Old quilts and unused blankets should be neatly stored and placed through the dryer cycle once a week to ward off dust mites and moths.
Mold spores are the ninja warriors of air pollution in the home
There is nothing a mold spore enjoys more than a humid, moist home environment. Too often, people attribute their coughing and wheezing to pollen or pet dander, when the true cause is a buildup of mold spores in the air.
Keep an eye on obvious moisture producers in the home like leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or leaks in the roof, but it may be more efficient to purchase a hydrometer to measure the indoor humidity of the home. If the humidity inside the house is commonly above 50 percent, then a simple dehumidifier will clear the air.
