10 Simple Things for a Healthier Home

Whether you rent or own your home, healthy housing is an idea worth considering. Indeed, a healthy home can benefit both people and the planet. Considering that you spend a significant amount of time at home, your home can impact your mental and physical wellbeing. As such, it is important to create an environment that supports wellness. Fortunately, keeping your home healthy is easier than you think. 

Here are some simple ways to improve the health of your home. 

ADD GREENERY TO YOUR SPACE  

When thinking of creating a healthier home environment, consider looking to plants and nature. Bringing the outdoors inside can instantly improve your rooms. Adding some green friends to your home will enliven your space, something that can help to improve your mood. Introducing greenery can also make your home feel calmer and safer.  

Air purifying plants can remove toxins from your home, effectively improving the quality of indoor air and enabling you to breathe easier. Lastly, houseplants have been found to help reduce stress levels, enhance therapeutic care and boost productivity. 

DECLUTTER

Clutter can negatively impact mental wellbeing. To promote calmness and relaxation in your home, take time to get rid of any items that are no longer serving you. Not only will the act of decluttering be therapeutic, but it will also leave you with an organized space. 

For the best results, consider decluttering your home with every new season. If the process seems overwhelming, tackle it one room at a time and break it up across several days. This will help to keep you motivated and focused. 

CLEAN UP 

A clean house is a happy house. Cleaning your home is a simple but effective way to keep it healthy. As such, give your house a thorough cleaning every so often. This will go a long way in helping you get rid of dust, dust mites, pet dander and other allergens. 

In addition, remember to clean your rugs and carpets properly. Also, be sure to deep clean your bedding and upholstery regularly. When dirty, these items can be a hotbed for germs and bacteria. 

LET THE SUNSHINE IN 

Even as you incorporate nature into your home, do not overlook the importance of sunshine. Increasing your home's exposure to the sun creates a happier, healthier and more comfortable environment. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and organisms in your house. 

Regular exposure to sunshine will help to increase your Vitamin D levels, an important vitamin that contributes to healthy bones and teeth. Natural sunlight also improves circulation, boosts your immune system and strengthens organs. This is why you should set up your home to receive as much sunshine as possible. 

IMPROVE YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Studies show that air quality can be two to five times worse indoors than outdoors. Poor indoor air quality is caused by the accumulation of various contaminants inside your home. This can cause you to experience tiredness, mild headaches and allergic reactions.

To improve the quality of air you breathe, properly ventilate your home. It is also important to change your air filters regularly and invest in an air purifier to help remove pollutants from the air in your home. Lastly, avoid smoking or using harmful chemicals inside the house.  

ELIMINATE MOLD GROWTH

Mold exposure can contribute to health issues. Also, when mold penetrates into the interior of your walls, slab and columns, it can affect the structural integrity of your home. To ensure a healthy home environment, remove existing mold and prevent future mold growth.

Generally, mold thrives in damp and poorly ventilated areas. To control and eventually eliminate mold growth, control the source of the moisture. This may involve reducing dampness in your home and fixing any leaks and spills.  

LEAVE THE DIRT OUTSIDE

In addition to cleaning, find ways to keep dirt out of your house. Minimizing the quantity of pollutants that find their way into your space will in turn help to make your home healthier. 

Some ideas to consider include having a no-shoe policy. Encourage people to take off their shoes at the door by providing baskets for storing dirty shoes in the hallway. You can also provide visitors with slippers to help keep their feet warm. Finally, washing your hands regularly will also contribute to a healthier home. 

FILTER YOUR TAP WATER 

Tap water is generally considered safe to drink. However, the water can still contain contaminants or trace amounts of chemicals that could be toxic. Part of creating a healthier home involves making sure your tap water is safe to drink. 

To remove lots of these contaminants, consider filtering your tap water. Today, you can buy water filters that attach to your faucet or plumbing system. Filtering your tap water not only ensures your safety but also eliminates the need to buy plastic bottles, helping you cut down on waste in landfills. 

USE NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS 

Cleaning with chemicals can present a wide range of problems. Many cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals can irritate the eyes, throat and skin. The chemicals can also emit hazardous odors, contaminate food-prep surfaces and cause health problems. 

On the other hand, natural cleaning products do not contain harmful chemicals. Such products are non-toxic, better for the environment and healthier for all involved. This makes them ideal, particularly if you have children or pets in your home. 

GO FOR ECO-FRIENDLY PAINTS 

Most paints have some level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). High levels of VOCs can be dangerous to your health. VOC exposure can contribute to health problems like headaches, dizziness, organ damage, visual disorders and impaired memory.

If you want a safe and healthy home, use eco-friendly paints. Natural paints have lower levels of VOCs. As such, they are not only a healthier alternative but also have minimal environmental impact. 

This list is by no means exhaustive. There is a lot more that you can do to create a happy, healthier home environment. These include using natural materials, eating healthy and ensuring proper waste disposal.