Activated carbon filters-whether a pitcher, tap-mounted, or under-sink model-can cut levels of lead, chlorine, and other contaminants.
The gunk all upgrades free#
Caulk holes and crevices so that disease-carrying mice and insects won't come looking for a free lunch.Ĩ. Flea shampoos and collars contain pesticides, which can rub off on kids and furnishings. Treat cats and dogs with a monthly tick-and-flea medication, and use a fine-tooth comb (from $4 ) to catch fleas before they come inside. Find fan models that work for crawl-space ventilation at .Ħ. Keeping humidity levels in these areas below 50 percent prevents condensation and the spread of musty odors and mold and mildew, which can trigger allergies and asthma. Keep a basket of slippers at the door for family and guests alike.ĥ. Or Google "organic dry cleaning" to find a perc-free service near you. If your dry cleaning has a strong chemical odor when you pick it up, give it back and ask that it be properly dried. Take off plastic bags before you come inside so that any residual perchloroethylene, a common dry-cleaning solvent and suspected carcinogen, can evaporate. Shown at left: Waterhog mats, which can be hosed down (from $40 ).ģ. Up to 80 percent of the dirt that gets tracked inside-along with countless allergens, bacteria, and lawn chemicals-can be caught with a double length of washable matting before it makes itself at home. Don't hang laundry on outdoor clothes lines, at least for now.Ģ. During hay fever season, shake or brush off outerwear, and keep a brush and wet wipes handy to clean pets' fur and feet. Here, our best advice for cleaning up your household.
To get the lowdown on the best actions for you to take right now-and some to consider down the road-we canvassed health and environmental experts across the country. Making your home healthier can involve simple remedies, such as opening a window to let in a blast of fresh air, and more lasting solutions, like moving away from paints, furnishings, and cleaning products that throw off chemical vapors. Indoors, you want to prevent mold, bacteria, and viruses from taking hold, and minimize allergy-provoking animal dander and dust mites. It starts by blocking certain nasties at the front door, including pollen, pesticides, noxious solvents, and disease-carrying creepie crawlies.
But while you can't avoid every hazard thrown in your path, you can try to create a wholesome nest for yourself and your family-pets included. Make Your Home a Haven Photo by Matthew Benson
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