Most of us spend a large percentage of our lives indoors, particularly with the new normal, so it makes sense to create an environment that supports our health. Sam Funnell from Fine & Country Rugby discusses how to make your home healthier.
Winter is approaching and the weather is making it known. While we prepare for more time indoors, there are ways we can make our home environment healthier. Everyone’s living space is different, though, and while there are some aspects we can’t control, there are many inexpensive ways that can improve the health of your home.
The best and cheapest way to reduce environmental toxins that accumulate in your house is by opening the windows. It allows the fresh air from outside, which normally contains less toxins than inside your house, to circulate and dilute carbon dioxides created by breathing and other chemicals in the air. If you need to keep your windows shut for security, weather or noise reasons, install fixed wall vents to ensure adequate ventilation. Even opening the windows for half an hour a day can have health benefits.
Regular cleaning is important in reducing dust mites, which can cause respiratory problems. Avoid using chemical based cleaners, as these can contribute to respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches. Switch to plant-based cleaners or better still, if you want to go all in, make your own all-natural sprays and solvents. White vinegar, lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda, together with your favourite essential oil, can provide the base for a range of cleaning products. Lavender, lemon and tea tree are some of the best essential oils to use. Lavender has calming properties and is great to use on bed linen. Lemon helps neutralise odours and tea tree has antiseptic and antiviral properties.
Replacing air fresheners with essential oil diffusers as a healthier option. Many air fresheners contain chemicals, whereas a natural essential oil, such as orange, has the added benefit of promoting a positive mood and a feeling of calmness. If you enjoy the atmosphere candles create, use natural candles made from soy or beeswax and avoid those made with petroleum-based products.
Add some houseplants to your living space. Not only do plants complement humans by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, they also help combat air pollution. NASA research in the 1980s showed certain houseplants can remove common pollutants. The good news is that easy-to-grow houseplants, like peace lilies, ferns and spider plants, are high on the list of plant air cleaners. They are all readily available and inexpensive.
Our own contribution to dust in our homes is large. Daily, we shed around 500 million cells. Many of these are shed at night in our beds. Keeping up with the laundry and washing sheets and towels frequently maintains a healthy bedroom. Vacuum carpets at least twice a week and clean the vacuum filter to make sure you’re not recycling the dust.
The list of small steps that can make an impact on your home is endless. It may be a small change in our daily habits that makes a big difference, whether it’s taking your shoes off indoors or replacing plastic storage containers with glass ones. These small steps help the environment outside the home, as well as inside.
For advice on selling or buying property, please contact Sam Funnell on 07714 515484 or visit www.fineandcountry.com