Anything outside your home is neither safe nor clean. Well, same for the inside. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pronounced that indoor air pollution is actually five times worse than outdoor pollution. Indoor air pollution has been linked to an increase of modern day illnesses such as allergies , chronic fatigue syndrome and respiratory problems. Considering the significant amount of time we spent indoors, it makes perfect sense then to make our indoor spaces as healthy and safe as we can for our families.
Toxins Within Our Homes
- Living Room - furniture, curtains, carpet and the cleaning products used can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Subfloors - pest treatments used under floorboards can release harmful fumes that enter the house and contaminate the soil.
- Bedroom - mattresses and pillows are home to a million dust mites .
- Bathroom - air fresheners, disinfectants, detergent often contain chemicals such as solvents, bleach, ammonia and chlorine which contribute to indoor toxins.
- Kitchen - gas appliances are major emitters of indoor air pollutants.
- Garden - pesticides and aerosol sprays are potent poisons.
Tips To Detox Your Home
First off, you need to get rid of the ‘junks’ at home as soon as possible . If you haven’t used it or seen it for the past one year, you probably do not need it. Things that can be recycled (papers, cans and bottles), please send them to the recycling bins.
1. Good Ventilation
Kick open your windows and doors! It is the most efficient and easiest way to circulate air. Good air circulation dilutes pollutants and helps keep mold at bay. Invest on a good air cleaners.
2. Go Natural
The Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are one of the most dangerous toxins in the home. These are gasses given off by household items such as paint, carpets and furnishings. Where possible, avoid synthetics and use natural materials such as cotton and linen. Steer clear of composite wood products and go for untreated or recycled timber, sustainable bamboo, stone, and natural floor coverings. Use plant based bio paints. You can also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by replacing incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent.
3. Heaven Scent
Did you know that charcoals are nature’s wonder odor and humidity absorber? Use them! You can also place fresh flowers and herbs around your house. Try tying pandan leaves into a knot and place it at dark corners and drawers. Not only will it release a sweet scent, it is also believed to repel roaches!
4. Keep It Dust And Mite Free
Regularly vacuum your mattresses and sofas. Sprinkle some baking soda over it and leave it a few hours before vacuuming it again. Also use aromatherapy to rid your home off bacteria and fungus. When vaporized, essential oil will kill germs and freshen up the home.
5. Go Green
Plants are natural toxic absorber and placing them inside the home can cleanse the air. To keep your garden clean, use simple traps, encourage good insects and plant flowers and herbs around vegetables. If you must use chemical controls, always go for the organic and natural ones.
6. Safety First
Gas appliances must be serviced regularly and checked for leaks. Make sure all combustion cooking and heating equipment is funneled outside.
Environmental Friendly Cleaning Products
Most cleaning products contain dangerous toxins. Try to switch to natural alternatives. Here is a list of environmental friendly ingredients that you can try:
- Furniture Polish - Spray a mixture of 50% olive oil and 50% white vinegar and wipe with clean cloth.
- Floor Cleaners - Add 1/4 cup white vinegar to a liter of water and this mixture can clean most hardwood floors. For marble, tile and granite, use very hot water.
- Scouring Powder - sprinkle baking soda on dirty are, soaked and then scrubbed with damp sponge.
- Refrigerator - to remove odor in refrigerators, squeeze a lemon in a bowl of hot water and sprinkle salt on it, and leave it in the fridge for an hour. wipe the surface inside the fridge with baking soda and cold water.
- Drainage - pour half cup of baking soda down the sink and followed by one cup white vinegar. Don’t be alarmed by the sizzling sound and foam which may spill out of the pug hole. After one or two hours, flush away with warm water.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner - to clean toilet bowl, sprinkle around the inside with baking soda. Then pour 1/3 cup white vinegar and scrub with brush.
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Anything outside your home is neither safe nor clean. Well, same for the inside. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pronounced that indoor air pollution is actually five times worse than outdoor pollution. Indoor air pollution has been linked to an increase of modern day illnesses such as allergies , chronic fatigue syndrome and respiratory problems. Considering the significant amount of time we spent indoors, it makes perfect sense then to make our indoor spaces as healthy and safe as we can for our families.
Toxins Within Our Homes
Tips To Detox Your Home
First off, you need to get rid of the ‘junks’ at home as soon as possible . If you haven’t used it or seen it for the past one year, you probably do not need it. Things that can be recycled (papers, cans and bottles), please send them to the recycling bins.
1. Good Ventilation
Kick open your windows and doors! It is the most efficient and easiest way to circulate air. Good air circulation dilutes pollutants and helps keep mold at bay. Invest on a good air cleaners.
2. Go Natural
The Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are one of the most dangerous toxins in the home. These are gasses given off by household items such as paint, carpets and furnishings. Where possible, avoid synthetics and use natural materials such as cotton and linen. Steer clear of composite wood products and go for untreated or recycled timber, sustainable bamboo, stone, and natural floor coverings. Use plant based bio paints. You can also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by replacing incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent.
3. Heaven Scent
Did you know that charcoals are nature’s wonder odor and humidity absorber? Use them! You can also place fresh flowers and herbs around your house. Try tying pandan leaves into a knot and place it at dark corners and drawers. Not only will it release a sweet scent, it is also believed to repel roaches!
4. Keep It Dust And Mite Free
Regularly vacuum your mattresses and sofas. Sprinkle some baking soda over it and leave it a few hours before vacuuming it again. Also use aromatherapy to rid your home off bacteria and fungus. When vaporized, essential oil will kill germs and freshen up the home.
5. Go Green
Plants are natural toxic absorber and placing them inside the home can cleanse the air. To keep your garden clean, use simple traps, encourage good insects and plant flowers and herbs around vegetables. If you must use chemical controls, always go for the organic and natural ones.
6. Safety First
Gas appliances must be serviced regularly and checked for leaks. Make sure all combustion cooking and heating equipment is funneled outside.
Environmental Friendly Cleaning Products
Most cleaning products contain dangerous toxins. Try to switch to natural alternatives. Here is a list of environmental friendly ingredients that you can try:
Similar Posts: