8 Smart Tips to Maintain a Healthy Home Environment

Home is where we feel safe and rested. However, it takes an effort and commitment to create a home that’s comfortable and clean. A healthy home environment means a healthy space for everyone living in the house. 

A safe and comfortable home is necessary for your physical, mental, and emotional health. To create that space, you need to consider several factors that can influence how the home feels. Creating a healthy home is challenging because we are constantly exposed to chemicals or toxins everywhere. 

Nonetheless, there are things you can do to maintain a healthy home environment for the family. It is crucial, especially when you have children at home. 

Avoid toxic products

You may not avoid all toxic products, but there are things you can do to reduce their use and exposure. Opt for non-toxic cleaners. Substitute this with eco-friendly cleaners, which are safe for the environment and humans. You can find many options for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners in the market, or you can make your own using natural ingredients such as baking soda. It is affordable and can be an all-around cleaner.

Another way to reduce the use of toxic cleaners is to use microfiber cloths when cleaning since it attracts and absorbs dirt more. Aside from cleaners, pesticides and repellents can contain toxic chemicals. 

Open the windows

Poor indoor air quality is caused by poor ventilation. It will also promote mold growth, which can irritate the nose and lungs and trigger an allergic reaction in some people. 

The easiest way to improve ventilation is to open the windows around the house. It will promote air circulation and prevent stagnant air. The clean air outside can help flush out pollutants inside the home. If you have air conditioning or a heater, make sure to clean the system regularly. 

Aside from improved air ventilation, opening the window allows the sunlight to come in. The UV rays can kill bacteria and help significantly in improving your mood. 

Add some plants

Adding plants indoors can improve your health because they breathe in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Plants can absorb harmful toxins and improve the overall air condition indoors. 

Plus, greenery has therapeutic effects on the mind, body, and soul. Popular indoor plants are Snake Plant, Aloe Vera, and Spider Plant. The presence of plants can freshen and calm our surroundings.

House cleaning

Keeping a regular schedule for cleaning is one of the keys to maintaining a healthy home. To avoid feeling overwhelmed with cleaning, you can do it by space by space. For deep cleaning, set a dedicated day because it will usually take more time. 

When cleaning your kitchen, pay specific attention to the countertop, cutting board, and sponges because this is where cross-contamination can happen. Have separate boards for raw meat and vegetables. For the countertop, make sure to sanitize after every use and eliminate the presence of bacteria in sponges; put it in a microwave for two minutes and air dry it after. 

Dust is also another concern in the house because it can trigger various health issues such as asthma and allergies. Using a vacuum and keeping the house well ventilated can help reduce dust. 

Check for unsafe condition

Doing maintenance checks is part of keeping the home environment safe and healthy. Examples of unsafe conditions are water leaks or structural damage. Check your attic for any water leaks, as this may compromise your ventilation and cause further damage. For older homes, have an asbestos inspection or lead paint testing to prevent serious health problems. 

Eliminate Pests

Keep pests out of the house because it carries various diseases, especially when you have kids. Some opt to use pesticides, but it exposes you to harmful chemicals. The best way to deal with pesticides is to prevent them from coming. Store food properly, and avoid leaving leftovers on the table or countertop. If you have pets, keep them clean using medicated soap. There is also plenty of natural pest repellent you can use that is much safer when you have kids. 

Be careful with toxic gas

Carbon monoxide poisoning and radon are some of the common gas poisonings that can happen in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas from uranium when it breaks down in the soil. It is colorless and odorless and can only be detected using a test kit, which you can find in stores. 

Carbon monoxide is also odorless gas that can easily cause intoxication and death. This gas is caused by incomplete burning of fuel such as kerosene and propane. Make sure your heating system and other fuel-burning equipment are functioning correctly. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can help detect early poisoning.

Wash your sheets regularly

The bedroom is our intimate space, but it is often overlooked. Humans shed millions of cells daily, along with other dirt such as dander and sweat. Washing the sheets regularly minimizes the risk of carrying all the bacteria and dirt while we are sleeping. It also reduces the risk of molds in the room.

Conclusion

From regular cleaning routines to reducing the presence of toxic substances at home and making sure the overall structures of the house are safe and secured, maintaining a healthy home is hard work. You can ensure a safe environment to live in with these smart steps taken.

What You Need to Know Before Replacing Your Home's Foundation

Should you begin to notice visible cracks in your home's foundation, windows or doors that start to stick, or floors that appear to be uneven, chances are it will be time to replace your home's foundation. While still a large job, it is one that has gotten much easier and convenient for homeowners over the years, thanks to advanced engineering technology. But before committing to this task, here is what you should always know prior to replacing your home's foundation.

Hire Experienced Professionals

First of all, always hire professionals who are experienced in repairing foundations. Since the foundation is such an important part of your home's structure, not having experienced pros on the job could mean you wind up with an even worse problem than you had before the work crew arrived at your home.

Don't Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom

If you have plans to remodel your home's kitchen or bathroom in the near future, don't have these remodeling jobs done prior to your foundation repair. If you do, the plumbing renovations that were done during the remodeling will likely need to be done a second time, since plumbing damage can sometimes take place during the course of repairing a foundation.

Put off Roof Repairs

Just as you should delay remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you should also put off any roof repairs you are planning until your foundation is fixed. As for why, it is because once your home's foundation is lifted, it is possible your roof could find itself with various wrinkles or waves while the job is being completed. Also, if you have roof tiles as your primary roofing materials, these are prone to cracking during foundation repairs, so keep this in mind as well.

Look for Signs of Past Repairs

If you are in the process of purchasing a new home, make sure you try to look for signs of past repairs that could indicate the property has a current foundation issue or had problems in the past. For example, if you notice cracks on the home's inside walls or see areas where it appears cracks have been patched, you may want to pump the brakes on your purchase until you have a home inspection completed.

Though a big job, having your home's foundation repaired is vital to ensuring its structural integrity. Rather than face larger problems in the years ahead, getting your foundation repaired now will keep your home in great shape and give you peace of mind.

How to Create a Lung-Safe Cleaning Environment

For those with lung or respiratory conditions like asthma, cleaning can be even more of a chore than it usually is. Harsh chemicals included in many household cleaners can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of asthma or COPD, which can make cleaning harmful or potentially even dangerous, especially if you live in an older home without great ventilation. 

Read on for five safety tips for making sure your cleaning process is safe for you and any lung conditions you may have.

1. Wear a face mask if you clean with chemicals

Chemicals like bleach are found in many household cleaners, especially for the bathroom. While these do a great job of getting rid of germs on high-contact and dirty surfaces liken toilets and sinks, they can also be dangerous to breathe in, especially if you're cleaning an area without a window or proper ventilation. To ensure you aren't breathing in potentially toxic fumes, grab a face mask (or bandana) before you start cleaning, and use an air purifier when needed. 

2. De-clutter and dust frequently

Don't save spring cleaning for once a year — make it a habit to clear out any knick-knacks or items gathering dust on your shelves once a month, especially if you're highly sensitive to dust mites. Small items on bookcases or shelves can gather dust frequently, so ensure you're regularly cleaning and dusting these areas to keep dust from triggering any lung conditions. 

3. Opt for scent-free cleaning products

Clean linen, forest breeze, and tropical escape-scented products may provide a quick solution for a bedroom with dirty laundry or a kitchen laden with cooking smells, but scented products can also cause headaches or exacerbate symptoms of asthma and COPD. These scents can cause shortness of breath, worsened asthma, or dizziness, so it's best to steer clear of scented cleaning products and use unscented ones, or make your own to ensure you aren't worsening any of your lung conditions.

4. Clean in well-ventilated areas

When possible, it's important to clean in well-ventilated areas with decent airflow — especially if you're cleaning with chemicals. If available, open doors and windows to ensure ventilation and control airflow out of the room you're cleaning. If windows or doors aren't an option, turn on or bring in a fan.

5. Prevent mold growth

Especially for those with moderate to severe asthma, mold can make breathing much harder. To control mold and moisture levels in your home, spritz straight vinegar onto your walls and let air dry, as vinegar helps to control the growth and spread of mold spores. To keep mold from getting bad in the first place, it's advised to invest in a dehumidifier and keep fans on when cooking or showering. 

For more deep cleaning tips and ways to create your own lung-safe cleaning products, check out the below visual from Absestos.com. 

Source: The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com

Guest Post - 6 ROOF MAINTENANCE TIPS TO MAKE YOUR ROOF LAST AS LONG AS POSSIBLE

Regularly, the roof comes into contact with atmospheric agents such as wind, fog, hail, heat, and so on, resulting in damage. However, when properly implemented, a few basic steps will significantly improve the roof's efficiency and extend its life. 

Maintenance activities are critical for ensuring successful roof sealing while maintaining the roof's energy efficiency and overall health. You need to perform a series of frequent tests to avoid infiltrations and disruption that may become even more severe if not fixed quickly. And it all starts with visual checks.

Not to forget, finding a problem with your roof before it becomes a significant issue will save you money in the long run. You should perform a regular inspection and repair on your roof at least two times every year. Wait! So, here are some tips to follow:

• Cut the Branches near the Roof

• Check after storms

• Avoid rusting

• Clean the gutters

• Remove moss

• Schedule a roof inspection

We will elaborate more on these tips further, but first, begin with the basics, what's a roof? Is it just a cover or more than that?

Know the Roof: This Is Not Just a Cover

As you well know, when it comes to building roofing, we are dealing with a structure that is anything but simple, which allows you to protect the building and keep the correct temperature inside. However, we are talking about one of the most exposed areas of a property. Therefore, the roof is subject to wear and tear and, over time, can get to the point where simple maintenance is not enough.

We can do our best to keep it in good condition for as long as possible. It can be done through small and quick operations, among which we find, for example, the replacement of damaged tiles. In some cases, however, it is advisable to focus on the complete renovation of the roof. In this way, you can again count on efficient building coverage from every point of view.

Roof Maintenance Tips

Many postpone roof maintenance because they find it cumbersome or dangerous. Don't let the roof go to waste before time runs out but remember these six rules.

#1. Cut the Branches near the Roof

Most people dislike climbing ladders, let alone trying to cut branches off big trees. If there are some trees or twigs near the roof, though, you may have severe issues. Tree branches that are hanging from or even on the roof may be dangerous. They will wear down and ruin the shingles, as well as putting you at risk of fractured limbs crashing onto the roof. During a storm, tree branches are often flexible and can swing several feet.

#2. After Storm Checks

Hail, strong winds, and even a lot of rain will all weaken your roof. If your area has just undergone a big storm, you should check your roof and see if any harm has happened. Check the gutters and window sills from the ground up to see whether they are skewed or out of place.

 It may mean that the roof has been damaged as well. It also indicates if you need to do a more thorough inspection of your roof. 

When inspecting shingles, particularly asphalt shingles, you can see individual damage on the shingle. Many home insurance providers would compensate for storm loss, which is good news. Take pictures and talk to the insurance agent about the options.

#3. Avoid Rusting Of the Sheet Metal Roof

Over time, soot, algae, and other dirt will stick to the tin roof. If the roof is not cleaned, stubborn dirt and loose debris will wear a coating that protects the sheet metal roof. The worn coating no longer protects the roof damper but exposes it to oxidation, and the roof begins to rust. If possible, check the top of the water floor for signs of leaks.

 #4. Gutter Cleaning

Homeowners are now familiar with this task that appears on the spring to-do list. Cleaning your gutters twice or three times a year would maintain your sewer system in proper working order and help extend the existence of your roof.

When leaves accumulate in gutters, moisture may be trapped and wicked upwards onto roof planks and railings. It won't take long to get the hang of it, and once you do, it'll be a breeze; make sure you have somebody down below to keep an eye on you while you work through the gutter structure.

#5. Removing Moss

Moss can appear to be innocuous, but its development may do severe damage to your roof. If you choose to keep your roof in good shape, regular inspections and moss elimination can significantly prolong its life and avoid harm. 

Moss absorbs moisture, and residents are well aware that moisture causes issues. You don't want dampness near your home's structure because it causes structural cracking and compromises credibility. The moss must be removed! To get rid of the moss, use a sustainable eco product and try installing zinc strips if it keeps coming up.

#6. Scheduling a Roof Inspection

There are specific jobs that are better left to the experts, and an annual roof review is one of them. While there are some measures you should do to protect the roof on your own, such as inspect for visible physical damage, sweep your sewer pipes, and keep dirt off your rooftop, there are other facets of a roof that can go wrong with an untrained eye. 

A licensed roof inspector may be qualified in specific roof checks and inspections that can diagnose underlying damage. You may employ an inspector by contacting a reputable local roofing company.

Final Lines

Wind, rain, hail, shocks, accumulation of snow: so many elements that your asphalt shingle roof must endure each year. Also, if you want to enjoy it for many years, it is essential to treat it well.

If you are a handyman and want to do the maintenance yourself, be careful always to wear a safety harness to prevent falls when working on your roof.

Author Bio

For the past 20 years, American High Tech Roof Coating has been owned by Javier Chavez who runs their company throughout the Los Angeles, California Area servicing commercial buildings that require new roofs but opt into silicone cool roofing instead.