Ask The County Agent: How Can I Make my Home Healthier and Cleaner?
By OLIVIA HANDLEY, FACS Agent Coweta County
Olivia Handley
As we finally get into the spring months, we are all looking forward to warmer days and green grass. But with this onset of growth and warmth, our homes and allergies can take brutal hits.
Some allergies are not only seasonal but can be year round. With allergy season just around the corner, let’s look at some ways to keep our homes cleaner and our allergies in check as much as possible, not just this spring, but throughout the year.
Keep Your Home Clean
• Add a doormat to all exterior doors.
• Remove your shoes and leave them by the door.
• Change clothes after spending time outdoors in peak pollen season.
• Wash hair daily to remove hidden particles.
• Vacuum or sweep and wet mop floors regularly.
• Use a HEPA vacuum or air filter regularly.
• Make a cleaning schedule to ensure all parts of your home get cleaned regularly.
• Keep Your Home Dry and Ventilated
• Use kitchen and bath fans when cooking or bathing.
• Change air filters regularly.
• Clean dryer lint traps.
• For fireplaces, make sure flue is clear and open when fire is lit.
• Find and fix water leaks and dripping faucets.
• Maintain indoor humidity below 60%.
• Clean gutters and stormwater drains near house.
• Check windows and doors for weathertight seals.
Keep Your Home Temperature Controlled and Green
• Keeping your home at a steady temperature is easier on a heating/cooling unit by having fewer large temperature swings. It is better to keep your thermostat at a constant temperature rather than trying to cool down or heat up the house when you get home from work.
• Make sure you have adequate insulation to improve the efficiency of heating/cooling units.
• Make and use environmentally friendly green cleaners. They tend to be friendlier to sensitive people. Vinegar is one example and can be used as a multipurpose cleaner and disinfectant.
• Recycle when appropriate to reduce your carbon footprint. Aluminum cans, plastics and glass are recyclable in some areas.
Keep Your Home Contaminant Free
• Asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials in older homes. The best thing to do is leave it alone or hire a professional to remove it.
• Lead can be found in soil, water, and some consumer products. You can reduce lead by frequently mopping and using a doormat.
• Radon is an odorless gas that can be in homes and water. UGA offers a home test kit.
• Well water also needs to be tested for contaminants. UGA also offers well water testing kits.
• Keep your home tobacco and vaping free.
• Keep a carbon monoxide detector to ensure safety of heating systems.
• Reduce use of synthetic air fresheners to reduce possible volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Use all natural air fresheners or open windows to freshen air.
• Store hazardous household products out of reach of children and pets.
Keep Your Home Pest-Free
• Seal all cracks and crevices with caulk, copper mesh, or expanding foam.
• Eliminate sources of food by keeping food in sealed containers.
• Use trash containers with lids and take out trash frequently.
• Remove clutter to reduce hiding places for pests.
Little changes can make a big difference in the health of a home and those who live in that home. Pollen season is a challenge but with a few good habits, it can be kept under control and even enjoyed! For more healthy home tips, contact the Coweta County Extension Office.
Photo Credit: Canva
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