• Posted Jan. 11, 2013 12:01 a.m.
  • Healthy House Principle #2
  • 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.

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