8 Smart Tips to Maintain a Healthy Home Environment

Home is where we feel safe and rested. However, it takes an effort and commitment to create a home that’s comfortable and clean. A healthy home environment means a healthy space for everyone living in the house. 

A safe and comfortable home is necessary for your physical, mental, and emotional health. To create that space, you need to consider several factors that can influence how the home feels. Creating a healthy home is challenging because we are constantly exposed to chemicals or toxins everywhere. 

Nonetheless, there are things you can do to maintain a healthy home environment for the family. It is crucial, especially when you have children at home. 

Avoid toxic products

You may not avoid all toxic products, but there are things you can do to reduce their use and exposure. Opt for non-toxic cleaners. Substitute this with eco-friendly cleaners, which are safe for the environment and humans. You can find many options for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners in the market, or you can make your own using natural ingredients such as baking soda. It is affordable and can be an all-around cleaner.

Another way to reduce the use of toxic cleaners is to use microfiber cloths when cleaning since it attracts and absorbs dirt more. Aside from cleaners, pesticides and repellents can contain toxic chemicals. 

Open the windows

Poor indoor air quality is caused by poor ventilation. It will also promote mold growth, which can irritate the nose and lungs and trigger an allergic reaction in some people. 

The easiest way to improve ventilation is to open the windows around the house. It will promote air circulation and prevent stagnant air. The clean air outside can help flush out pollutants inside the home. If you have air conditioning or a heater, make sure to clean the system regularly. 

Aside from improved air ventilation, opening the window allows the sunlight to come in. The UV rays can kill bacteria and help significantly in improving your mood. 

Add some plants

Adding plants indoors can improve your health because they breathe in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Plants can absorb harmful toxins and improve the overall air condition indoors. 

Plus, greenery has therapeutic effects on the mind, body, and soul. Popular indoor plants are Snake Plant, Aloe Vera, and Spider Plant. The presence of plants can freshen and calm our surroundings.

House cleaning

Keeping a regular schedule for cleaning is one of the keys to maintaining a healthy home. To avoid feeling overwhelmed with cleaning, you can do it by space by space. For deep cleaning, set a dedicated day because it will usually take more time. 

When cleaning your kitchen, pay specific attention to the countertop, cutting board, and sponges because this is where cross-contamination can happen. Have separate boards for raw meat and vegetables. For the countertop, make sure to sanitize after every use and eliminate the presence of bacteria in sponges; put it in a microwave for two minutes and air dry it after. 

Dust is also another concern in the house because it can trigger various health issues such as asthma and allergies. Using a vacuum and keeping the house well ventilated can help reduce dust. 

Check for unsafe condition

Doing maintenance checks is part of keeping the home environment safe and healthy. Examples of unsafe conditions are water leaks or structural damage. Check your attic for any water leaks, as this may compromise your ventilation and cause further damage. For older homes, have an asbestos inspection or lead paint testing to prevent serious health problems. 

Eliminate Pests

Keep pests out of the house because it carries various diseases, especially when you have kids. Some opt to use pesticides, but it exposes you to harmful chemicals. The best way to deal with pesticides is to prevent them from coming. Store food properly, and avoid leaving leftovers on the table or countertop. If you have pets, keep them clean using medicated soap. There is also plenty of natural pest repellent you can use that is much safer when you have kids. 

Be careful with toxic gas

Carbon monoxide poisoning and radon are some of the common gas poisonings that can happen in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas from uranium when it breaks down in the soil. It is colorless and odorless and can only be detected using a test kit, which you can find in stores. 

Carbon monoxide is also odorless gas that can easily cause intoxication and death. This gas is caused by incomplete burning of fuel such as kerosene and propane. Make sure your heating system and other fuel-burning equipment are functioning correctly. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can help detect early poisoning.

Wash your sheets regularly

The bedroom is our intimate space, but it is often overlooked. Humans shed millions of cells daily, along with other dirt such as dander and sweat. Washing the sheets regularly minimizes the risk of carrying all the bacteria and dirt while we are sleeping. It also reduces the risk of molds in the room.

Conclusion

From regular cleaning routines to reducing the presence of toxic substances at home and making sure the overall structures of the house are safe and secured, maintaining a healthy home is hard work. You can ensure a safe environment to live in with these smart steps taken.

The Perfect Balance Between Home Life and the Environment with Double Glazing Windows

In UK, 80% of the energy is produced by burning fossil fuels which are likely to generate around 86 million tonnes of CO2 per year. This poses a great threat to the environment but there are plenty of practical steps that can be taken to reduce our carbon footprints. One of the most beneficial ways to reduce our carbon footprint is by making our homes energy-efficient through double-glazing. It is estimated that using double-glazing can help reduce carbon emissions up to 700kgs per home. And that’s not all, double-glazing has a huge number of other advantages as well which will be described later in this blog. 

In recent years, double glazed windows have gained wide popularity in UK and have become the most preferred choice for homes, buildings, and office spaces. So, what is a double-glazed window? Before proceeding further, let us define that.

A double-glazed window comprises two glass sheets with air entrapped in between them. This entrapped air acts as an insulation barrier against heat loss and noise, helping you maintain a warmer, quieter home.

Installing energy-efficient double-glazed windows help reduce energy bills significantly. During summer months the double-glazed windows help to keep the extreme heat outside effectively while in winters, it reduces heat loss from the house. Thus, you do not need to use the air conditioner or heating system very often and enjoy cooler summers and warmer winters. On a standard house, it is expected that double glazing can help save up to £200-£250 per year.

How is double-glazing better for the environment?

We know that the excessive use of air conditioners is hazardous for the environment especially the ozone layer which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiations coming from the sun. The chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is a major air pollutant that is released from the use of air-conditioners and causes significant depletion of the ozone layer resulting in global warming and climate change and has far reaching impacts on the ecosystem.

Installation of environment-friendly double-glazed windows and doors not only helps in decreasing energy bills but also alleviates the burden on our environment. This can be a small but significant step towards improving the thermal efficiency of the houses and making them more sustainable and thus help fight climate change. 

Double Glazing: Unique outlook for your home

Double glazed windows have become fairly prevalent in recent years because of their ease of use, availability in an array of styles, better insulation and security, and the modern outlook that they render. 

Whether your home has a modern outlook, or it is a bit classical, double glazing can tremendously improve your house aesthetics while providing other added benefits. The windows come in different styles such as the casement, sash, tilt and turn, and bay windows suitable for different kinds of properties. As for the doors, double-glazing is also well-suited for French doors, patio doors, bi-fold doors, and more. Various frame materials such as uPVC, timber, and aluminium are employed with double glazing which enhances its visual appeal and thermal properties. 

Noise Insulation

Over the last decade, noise pollution is on the rise instigating a considerable impact on human health. Scientists claim that a peaceful home and office environment lay a positive impact on mood, health, and productivity. Double glazing helps create a calm and quiet environment inside the house or office spaces away from the outside hustle-bustle. You can also comfortably enjoy music inside without disturbing the neighbours. 

Increased Security

The double-glazed windows are more secure as the toughened glass is hard to break. It is also very difficult to push open the window from outside so you can stay at peace that no one can break into your house. There are plenty of glass choices for double-glazed windows as well including tempered, laminated, fire protection, and heat-reflective glasses which can further increase its efficiency. 

Enhance property value

The double-glazed windows and doors are a great investment for all the reasons mentioned above but also in the long run if you want to sell your house, it will attract more potential buyers with better deals than you would have with single glazing. 

Therefore, with the use of double-glazing, you are most likely to have a positive impact on the environment along with keeping the inside ambience well suited for everyone. 

7 Tips On How To Organize Your Outdoor Grilling

One fantastic way to welcome guests to your home is to have an area where you can grill; this can also be a beautiful addition to your backyard. You can use a grilling area as a centerpiece for your yard.

The grilling area is a great place to converse with friends and family over a meal. Organizing this area properly will allow you to entertain guests for hours. Below you'll find seven tips on how to organize your outdoor grilling.

1. Deciding how to use the Space

Firstly, you should think about how often you grill outside and how many guests you usually have. It will allow you to know how many seats you should have in that area.

Keeping this in mind, you'll figure out what the layout will like. This way, you'll know how much space you'll need to entertain your guests and prepare food.

Everyone's organizing idea is different when it comes to their grilling space. Figuring it out before you start will make organizing the furniture, decorations, and grill much more manageable. Doing this will give you a better view of what you planned.

2. Choosing the Right Furniture

Shopping for patio furniture can be overwhelming sometimes because of the vast number of styles available. It is best to pick furniture that has a theme so that your grilling area will look organized.

You can choose pieces that look similar or buy pieces that match. Finding brands that go well together can also help with organizing.

You want furniture pieces that are both stylish and functional for your grill area. Therefore, you should consider measuring your space before purchasing your furniture; this will allow you to get the right size furniture to maximize your space.

Also, you should ensure you take care of the furniture you bought by cleaning them at least two times per year. The best cleaner to use is one that is biodegradable.

3. Choosing the Best Furniture Material

Not all materials are used to make outdoor furniture. It would be best if you keep this in mind when purchasing. Stainless steel and aluminum materials are of high quality with low maintenance.

Also, you can choose other options such as wood and wicker, which are great for outdoors but will require more maintenance.

4. Making the Most of your Space

It is of utmost importance that you keep the amount of space available when purchasing furniture for your grill area. Are you looking to have a cozy grilling area or a compact area for eating?

Measuring allows you to know exactly how much space you're working with so that if you want to make changes, you know how to maximize the space. You don't have to have one layout for your grilling area; you can choose to move around your furniture to change the layout to a pleasing style as often as you like.

If you wish to create an illusion that there's more space than meets the eye, you can choose to use slimmer furniture. You can also add more storage to put away your grilling tools.

5. Picking a Focal Point

To tie your grilling area together, you should consider having a focal point. The first area your guests will get drawn to when they come into the grilling area is the focal point.

Any aspect in your grilling area can become your focal points, such as the grill, a table, the fire pit, or anything you choose. The focal point will make your grilling area more polished.

6. Adding a Fire Pit

Having a fire pit in your grilling area is an excellent idea. The fire pit is both practical and decorative. They're great for providing heat, especially when the night is chilly.

You should carefully consider where you will put your fire pit and the material used to make the pit. The fire pit shouldn't be close to your house or any wood furniture.

7. Adding Functional Decorations

When it comes to decorating your grill area, there are many decorations available. You can add potted plants to bring life to the area. Also, it's best to add decorations that will match the theme of your grill area.

The platters, racks, and shelves that you're choosing for the grill area can be decorative as well, which will add vibrancy. Adding metal furniture or accent fabrics will also help with decorating.

You can also add outdoor lighting to help with creating an atmosphere. Using different types of lighting will add a twist to your grill area.

Striking the right balance between functionality and style is very rewarding when you're organizing your outdoor grilling area. Depending on the weather in your area, you may consider covering your patio area.

When you have an outdoor grilling area, you should always consider how changes in the weather will affect it.

How to decor your home with patio?

Patios, terraces or gardens are among the most valued elements of the house. They bring joy, outdoor life and facilitate the presence of nature regardless of the dimensions of the space. To make them look spectacular, you don't need a lot of expensive items or furniture, just adequate lighting, comfortable seating and plants to make it cozy. 

1. Well-lit art

The first idea that they suggest is to include in the patio or garden some work of art that can be preserved outside: handicrafts, sculptures or carvings, either installed on the ground, through niches. You will add a refined touch to the decoration and create an elegant and stylish space.

2. Open roads

The paths, in addition to being very decorative, allow better access to the different areas of the garden's exterior decoration to enjoy a short walk or to facilitate the maintenance and conservation of plants and shrubs. the wooden path emphasizes the natural touch of the design that marks the route to follow, flanked by walls beautifully decorated with different plant species.

3. Cover the spaces with awnings or pergolas

Awnings and pergolas are not only perfect decorative elements. They also fulfill a function of protection against the sun, making the stay outside much more pleasant and pleasant. They are elegant; give volume and privacy and a very special design touch for outdoor patios, gardens and terraces.

4. Express your style

You sure have your style preferences. Leave your stamp, dare to experiment with all your creativity and inspiration, even if the result is a very eclectic set.

5. Look for harmony and balance

To feel comfortable and at ease in your garden, it is essential that harmony reigns in all the decoration. Organize and distribute the spaces, differentiate each area, one for games, another for rest and another for plants and flowers so that the set will have a balance noticeable in the environment.

6. Incorporate pots

The pots play a fundamental role in the decoration of outdoor environments. In addition to allowing us to combine different species of plants with different shapes and sizes, the material they are made of gives us added value; metal, clay and even plastic coexist perfectly. Then play with the tones.

7. Choose original furniture

Consider recycled materials, for example, pallet furniture. Due to their freshness and naturalness, they are ideal for exterior decoration, they are also inexpensive, and you can even make them on your own. From a complete room to just a table or a spectacular armchair decorated with large and colorful cushions, you will be able to give a special touch to your garden decoration.

8. Maximum comfort

If you are looking for total comfort, focus your decision on creating a space as comfortable as possible. It incorporates sun loungers and enables a shaded area with a pergola or roof with a comfortable bench of seats. And if you also get an attractive color combination, the result will be spectacular. 

9. A vertical garden

If you are facing a space problem, a vertical garden is a great option to incorporate nature into the environment. There are many ways to get a garden of this type, either by placing boxes of pallets or letting vines grow all over the wall. They are a fantastic idea for exterior home decoration. If you also combine materials and textures, such as stone and wood, the effect will be surprising.

10. Look for a varied composition of flowers and plants

A garden with a wide variety of flowers and plants will have a lush and exotic touch. Play with different sizes, colors, and species to create a richer, lush habitat. Do not forget to include aromatic herbs and flowers to perfume the environment delicately. And take a seat. Nature is to be contemplated and admired. Take your time.

11. Special attention to soils

Playing with the garden soil adds a great variety of textures to the environment; you can include wood, stones or gravel as in this fantastic design. The combination of natural materials, both for floors and walls, brings freshness and simplicity, as well as offering spectacular contrasts. 

12. Create your special corner

Having a corner to relax, read or meditate, can be the outstanding detail of the garden design. A comfortable rattan armchair, cushions and a fantastic wooden floor make anyone want to spend hours in the shade of the trees.

13. A pendant lighting

Small light lamps, like garlands, are a widely used accessory to decorate the exterior. The advantages of including these designs are that they can be hung from a tree or an existing structure, and thus the garden or patio will be warmly illuminated with originality and creativity.

Author Bio

Phrona Brown is the author of an article, and she is quite experienced in writing different social media platforms for marketing and lifestyle. She guides about promoting your business on social platforms.

Also read about alice adair.