Keep It Clean - It is not just about looks! It is about health!!

Sonya McDaniel

Keep it Clean

Keeping a clean home can reduce allergens and irritants, help prevent injury, and make you happy!  You don't have to have a picture perfect house, but cleanliness goes a long way to create a healthy house!

Control the source of dust and contaminants, creating smooth and cleanable surfaces, reducing clutter, and using effective wet-cleaning methods.

Reduce dust brought inside

Take your shoes off when entering the home

Invest in good equipment

–     Doormats for all exterior doors

–     Grate in front of door

–     Shoe should hit the mat four times (10-12 feet)

Create a smooth and cleanable surface.  What does smooth and cleanable refer to?

For example, wood floors are easier to clean than carpet. Carpet acts like a “sink”, capturing and holding contaminants.  If you do have carpeted flooring, make sure you have a good working vaccum and use it often.

Here’s another example: Do you have hotspots that attract stuff like a magnet? Stuff piled on tables counters, etc. are not smooth and cleanable.

Reduce clutter in your home which can be hiding places for dust, dirt and allergens. 

NO-STREAK GLASS CLEANER

¼ cup white vinegar 1 tbsp. cornstarch 1 quart warm water

Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray on. For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine.

Recipe taken from the University of Georgia Green Cleaning curriculum.

Information provided by Dr. Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Housing Specialist – 7 Principles of a Healthy Home Workshop Series.