These days, messages about keeping our hands clean, wearing masks and using antiseptic wipes on everything from steering wheels and grocery carts to our phones trumpet at us from every side. So what about inside our homes, where many of us are spending more time than ever? Read on for some tips to make where you play, eat and learn safe and clean.
First, we all know bathrooms harbor many germs. Thankfully, the number of cleaning products on the market make targeting these nasties easy. Consider placing a bleach tablet in the back of the toilet. It not only smells nice but keeps the bowl clean. Place sanitizing wipes on a shelf or in a cute holder so Mom, Dad and kiddos can grab and wipe the toilet handle, the lid and even the floor around the toilet.
In the bedroom, eradicate any haven of dust, dust mites and even pet dander. Dust mites actually produce waste and lay eggs, and hair, dead skin, fungi and pollen can collect in the bedroom too. Some tips to minimize these little monsters? Use zippered allergy-control covers on mattresses and pillow covers, once a week, wash all your bedding in hot water above 130 degrees to kill dust mites, and vacuum uncovered mattresses often.
Throughout the house, consider displaying hard-to-clean collectibles behind glass doors. If you undertake a remodeling project, hire a licensed company to clean your home’s duct system of the dust that gets stirred up. Choosing easy-to-clean window treatments, such as flat-weave cotton and linen fabrics, can limit dust. Avoid heavily textured draperies and blinds, which always collect dust. Buy a quality vacuum to rid the house of allergens and dust mites. Look for a vacuum with an agitator, high suction, high filtration such as HEPA filters, and tools for cleaning furniture, draperies, ceilings and baseboards.
Battle bacteria on kitchen surfaces by sanitizing sponges. Simply toss them into the microwave or dishwasher. Choose nonporous countertops and cutting boards and clean them regularly. Also, look for cleaning products made from plant sources rather than petroleum, ones free of chemicals that can irritate, such as chlorine, or pollute, such as phosphates.
Change air filters frequently in your furnace and air conditioner—at least once a season, especially when you are running your furnace constantly. Install a dehumidifier in the basement to combat mold and a humidifier upstairs to aid with breathing and skin conditions.
Place a shoe basket by the door, so nobody wears shoes into the house. This way, no unwanted germs or dirt will enter your home. Add some comfy slippers in the basket so visitors and kiddos can remove their shoes and be comfy and snug.
Plants remove indoor air pollutants. Peace lily, lady palm and snake plant, often called mother-in-law’s tongue, should be placed in high traffic areas such as the bedroom and living room.
Cleaning your dryer vent is a good way to help clothes dry completely and reduce dust and lint. Simply unhook the hose, vacuum it out, then brush it out.
Our indoor spaces have come a long way through the years, and we take for granted a lot of modern conveniences that can bring harmful chemicals, germs and safety risks inside. With a few steps and precautions, you can make your home a safe space for dreaming, learning, cooking and growing.
Keeping the Fridge Clean and Working Properly
When we get home from the grocery store, we usually just unload everything into the fridge without a thought. But refrigerators actually are designed to store different types of food in designated places because of how the cold air circulates in the fridge. Storing each thing according to its preferred temperature location will result in food that stays fresher longer and a fridge that smells nice and works well.
Don’t over pack it, which will disrupt the proper distribution of airflow and could cause food to spoil more quickly. Be wary of weighing the doors down with heavy things like liquids, which could damage the hinge, causing it to not seal properly and fail to maintain temperature. Cleaning the fridge regularly can reduce the risk of bacterial growth and contamination that can lead to food poisoning. The trick is to wipe and dry on a daily basis to prevent build-up. Make a habit of doing a weekly or bi-weekly food purge, and deep clean seasonally, every three to four months.
Something you might not think of is leaving room for airflow around the actual fridge. Heat emitted can cause damage, so don’t install it in a tight space. Without proper ventilation, the compressor may overwork and create even more hot air.
And, never put large quantities of hot food in the fridge … for obvious reasons!
An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
Sources: BHG.com, SynergyAppliances.com, Healthline.com