How to Keep Your Home Healthy All Winter Long
As the temperatures drop, we naturally want to hunker down at home keeping the house sealed up to stay warm. But, what you may not realize is that as you shut the windows and doors to keep toasty, you may also be trapping contaminants and allergens. Things such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold can thrive in your house in the winter months, hence putting you and your family, unknowingly, at an increased risk. Furthermore, the cold, dry air can dry out valuable bacteria fighting moisture in your nose and mouth, making you further susceptible to illness. However, you can keep your home healthy all winter long, thus preventing sickness.
A Breath of Fresh Air
It may sound crazy, but open your windows twice a day. Try this practice preferably once in the morning and once before bed for about 5-10 minutes. It allows fresh air into your home without dramatically lowering the temperature.
Add Moisture to Indoor Air
The winter brings with it colder, extremely dry air. Combat this with a humidifier. However, don’t go over board. Too much humidity may encourage the growth of dust mites, mold, and other allergy-causing organisms. The EPA recommends a total level no higher than 50 percent.
Keep the House Clean
A clean house is a healthy house. Vacuum regularly, especially if you have wall-to-wall carpeting. Change your sheets weekly, and wash them in hot water to kill contaminants. Switch out your HVAC filters monthly, and consider having your air ducts professionally cleaned. Bathe your pets weekly to reduce dander. Wipe down light switches and remote controls with anti-bacterial wipes.
Check and Fix Leaks
If you live in an area that gets slammed by winter storms, inspect your home for any leaks and seal them immediately. Mold and mildew thrive in moist settings. Should you experience any issues, make sure to clean it up quickly, within 24-48 hours.
Wait Until Spring to Redecorate
If you are planning on painting, replace carpeting or upholstery, consider putting it off until the spring. These items can release chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetone, so it is better to wait until you are able to ventilate your home properly. Keeping the windows open helps reduce the number of troubling particles trapped within your home.
Professional Deep Cleaning
Many folks mistakenly wait until the spring to give the home a deep cleaning. But, the winter, especially right after the holidays is an ideal time. Once you have organized and put away the decorations, your house is in the perfect state to scour every nook and cranny. Short on time? Hire a professional house cleaning service. Starting the new year with a clean home will keep you happy and healthy even in the darkest, coldest days of winter! Contact Maid Healthy today for a free consultation. We can help keep your home healthy all winter long!