How To Make your Home Healthy for your Family

Entry #291, October 5, 2010

Your home is the culprit of many allergens, viruses and germs and many can be avoided! A year ago on Stagetecture, I ran a post called, “Is your family still sneezing? It may be your house”.  I think it always helps to review these helpful hints before winter sets in!

The way you clean will help you and your family

Original post – Entry #6, September 20, 2009

As influenza, viruses, and allergies run rampant in our everyday lives, we quickly run for the medications.  Whether your sneezing and watery eyes are caused from sickness or your environment… these tips won’t make your house the culprit!

Dusting:

Move appliances, furniture, and large items that collect dust beneath them. Sliders placed under large pieces can make this chore easier.  Typically, the only time the refrigerator is pulled out, is when we move from our homes!

1. Use washable or disposable dusters/cloths. Reusable dusters never get cleaned, spread dust around, and leave dust on the duster.
2. Use HEPA filter vacuum cleaners, and replace filters often. For wood floors use a microfiber dust mop.
3. Change home air conditioner filters per manufacturer’s directions.  Change them more often if you live in dry

   climates or areas that have construction dust and activity in the neighborhood.

4. Shake out area rugs outside, and repeat more often with pets.

Use slider’s or wheels for easier cleaning under appliances.

Children Toys and Rooms

1. Children’s rooms have stuffed animals, toys, decorative collectibles that collect dirt and dust. Wash stuffed animals on gentle cycle in clothes washing machine. For delicate or hand-made stuffed animals, wash by hand.
2. Use disinfect wipes to wipe down toys weekly, or more often if your child has been ill. We expect the daycare’s that we send our children, to be clean. At home, we need to follow similar cleaning rituals.
3. For children with chronic allergies, ask your pediatrician or allergen doctor on ways to minimize allergens in the home environment.
4. Try to keep pets off of bed linen, couches, and areas where children spend long periods relaxing.