Creating a Healthier Home

A sparkling and comfortable house isn’t just about aesthetics—it can also dramatically improve how you feel. The way you furnish and maintain it can refresh and rejuvenate you or make you feel tired and worn down. Here are some tips to help you create the healthy home setting you deserve.

Carefully select home goods

Did you know that, according to the EPA, the air inside a home can be up to five times dirtier than it is outside? While this statistic might be concerning, there are simple ways you can mitigate airborne pollutants in yours. For example, be mindful when buying new furnishings, which may off-gas chemicals used to manufacture them, such as formaldehyde. To prevent these from getting into your home’s air, you could allow your furniture to sit in a garage or well-ventilated room for at least a week or leave the windows open for a few hours. (In fact, you may want to leave your windows ajar for at least a few minutes daily to let in fresh air.)

Another alternative is to opt for goods made from natural materials like organic cotton and solid wood, although they may cost you more. Or you can avoid releasing additional chemicals into your home and save money by shopping secondhand since these items will likely have already off-gassed much of their VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Check and clear your air

Having your home’s HVAC system serviced once or twice a year is also an effective way to ensure clean air since it can prevent rust and other contaminants from being circulated. Replace your furnace filter at least once every three months as well. And for extra filtration, consider running a portable air purifier, especially after activities that may increase indoor air pollutants, such as cooking and working with VOC-containing craft supplies like glues and markers.

Two highly dangerous pollutants to be on alert for are carbon monoxide, which can be emitted from your gas oven and other sources, and radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into your home through your foundation. Install carbon monoxide monitors on every floor of your residence so you can be alerted promptly to the gas’s presence and take steps to protect your family. Additionally, it’s a good idea to test for radon when buying a home, after renovations, or if you use your basement frequently. If an unhealthy level of it is found to be in your home, hire a licensed professional to mitigate it.

Keep it clean

Some cleaning products, such as bleach and ammonia, can contain VOCs, so choose ones that are friendly to your lungs instead. You could buy an all-natural cleanser like Aunt Fannie’s All-Purpose Cleaner or Bon Ami or make your own by mixing two cups of distilled water, two tablespoons of lemon juice, a half teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, and one tablespoon of baking soda.

Besides posing a tripping hazard, clutter can attract dust, dander, and other irritants and make it hard for you to effectively remove them. So, first and foremost, aim to keep your spaces tidy by picking up stray items daily and getting rid of or donating no-longer-needed possessions. Then dust regularly and fit your vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can trap dust and irritants, going over your floors at least once a week. Just be sure to protect your hardwood floors by setting your vacuum to the hard-surface setting.

Furthermore, disinfect surfaces you touch frequently, including doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and TV remotes, especially if someone in your household has a contagious illness like a cold. As for your bathroom, you can prevent mold from forming by running its exhaust fan or keeping a nearby window ajar and wiping its walls clean of any moisture after using the shower.

Create a sleep oasis

Converting your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary can also boost your health. A good way to start is by minimizing notifications on your mobile device, hanging room-darkening curtains, or using a white-noise machine while you sleep. Further, aim to keep your bedroom cool, between approximately 65 and 68 degrees, so you can blissfully drift off to sleep.

By taking control of your home environment through mindful maintenance and product selection, you can significantly boost your well-being.