Did you know that the average person spends more than 90 percent of their time indoors? While this statistic includes the office, school, retail shops, and other buildings, several hours are spent at home. In fact, the house is where most people spent their days at the height of the pandemic. Although thought to be the safest place, not all home environments were conducive to the health and wellness of their occupants.
Invisible Threats
Believe it or not, several invisible threats present in the home can cause significant harm to your health and safety. Everything from dust and pet dander to germs and bacteria is in the atmosphere. Prolonged exposure increases your chances of medical problems like allergy and asthma flare-ups to common illnesses and life-threatening viruses. While keeping your home clean can help reduce these risks, there’s more you can do to keep you and your family safe.
Open The Windows
All the dust, dander, and other contaminants present in the home float around in the air before landing on surrounding surfaces. It weakens the air quality and increases your chances of triggering a flare-up or getting sick. Fortunately, you can easily regulate the air quality by simply opening the windows so healthy air can circulate through the home.
Change Filters and Clean Vents
Your HVAC system helps circulate hot and cold air. As it sucks air through the intake, it filters the air and pushes it back out. Over time, however, the filters and vents get clogged with dirt, dander, and other debris. Failure to change the filter and clean the vents ultimately results in poor air being pushed out into the atmosphere.
Buy Eco-Friendly Products
The products you use at home can also contribute to your health. Everything from your toiletries to your household cleaning supplies can contain chemicals and ingredients that are harmful to your skin, lungs, and other organs. Switching to eco-friendly products is a practical solution. What’s good and natural for the environment is also good for your mind and body. Buying all-natural dish soap, reusable cotton rounds, organic air fresheners, or bamboo toilet paper can make a big difference in your home and the planet.
Repair Plumbing And Roofing Issues
The worst thing a homeowner can do is neglect a plumbing or roofing issue. Unresolved problems can lead to a leak, water damage, and the eventual development of mold. As mold can have an adverse effect on your lung health, ignoring the problem puts everyone in danger. Ideally, you should have your systems inspected by a professional roofing company annually and handle any minor leaks or repairs immediately.
Clear The Clutter
A disorganized home increases anxiety and creates safety hazards. That’s why periodic purging is recommended. Once every few months, go through each room in your home and get rid of anything you no longer use. You can throw these things in the trash, sell them at a yard sale, or donate them. Then, reorganize each room using items like shelves and storage containers to put everything in a neat space.
Ditch Wall-to-Wall Carpet
Carpets are excellent additions to a room’s decor. They also help to regulate temperatures and provide comfort. Unfortunately, carpets are also traps for allergens and other contaminants. Even if you vacuum or sweep regularly, things can get deep into the carpet fibers making it difficult to get out. You can improve the health of your home by simply replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with hardwood floors or tiles and using area rugs for decor.
While the warm weather and reduced pandemic risks may have you anxious to spend time outdoors, your home or apartment is where you’ll retreat at the end of the day. Do yourself and other household members a favor and ensure their health and safety by taking care of your living space. These practical yet simple solutions will reduce invisible threats, improve indoor air quality, and enhance your physical and mental well-being.