10 Tips for Fall Cleaning & Better Breathing!

(I wanted to share this article with you...)

10 Tips for Fall Cleaning a Healthy Home

By Annie B. Bond

It’s that time again–windows close with a thump, the furnace clicks on, and next thing you know, you’re living in a hotbed of pollution that could rival the smog in L.A.

Here are 10 easy, simple things you can do to keep the air quality pure and safe in your house this autumn.

1. Empty your refrigerator tray. It can start looking pretty swampy in there, and the ‘fridge fan blows that moldy yucky air right into your home.
2. Dust your heaters. When the heat comes on, it isn’t good to smell fried dust.
3. Check for foreign objects in your heating elements. Anyone with small children knows that plastic objects can find their way into the heating units and next thing you know, everyone is sniffing and wondering, “Why does it smell like burning plastic in here?” Toxic!
4. Clean your oil burner. A dirty furnace doesn’t function as well and can emit more harmful carbon monoxide and other undesirable compounds.
5. Clean chimneys. Prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
6. Devise a compost system. When the windows stay closed, molds in the air from fermenting compost can become a problem. Be sure to empty your kitchen compost every day.
7. Be alert to outgassing. New products and activities like painting will have more of an effect on your indoor air quality now that the windows are closed. You may want to air new carpets or upholstered furniture before putting them in your house. If you’re painting, be sure to provide plenty of ventilation, and choose non-toxic paints.
8. Steam-clean your carpets. Get rid of dust, dust-mites and other noxious things so you won’t be inhaling them with every step you take.
9. Choose your candles wisely. Petroleum-based and lead-wick candles contribute significantly to dangerous levels of indoor air pollution. Buy (or make) candles made from beeswax, soy, or vegetable oils, lead-free wicks, and pure essential-oil fragrances.
10. NO kerosene space heaters, ever! They are lethal. If you need extra heat in a room, consider one of the free-standing electric heaters filled with oil that radiate clean heat.

Deborah Mumm, The Allergy Queen
Healthy Environments

Allergy Proof your House

Allergy-Proof Your Home

From bathroom to kitchen to bedroom, here are some simple steps to rid your home of the stuff that makes you sick.

Whole Home Tips....
1) Adjust the humidity in your home to around 30-40%. You can get a humidity gauge at home-improvement stores.
2) Change your furnace filter every month to help keep the air moving cleanly in your home.
3) Invest in a quality air purfier that will help reduce particulates in the air. http://www.healthy-environments.com/air-purifiers.asp

Bedroom Tips....
1) Wash you bedding weekly in hot water...at least 130 degrees. Turn up the water heater for the job and then back down when finished.
2) Mattress and pillow covers will help reduce dust mite waste, which is a major cause of allergies and asthma flare-ups.

Living Room Tips....
1) Vacuum regularly, especially with a model with a Hepa filter or double-layer bag.
2) Keep pets off the furniture as much as possible. Try to wash pets weekly if possible.

Bathroom Tips....
1) Scrub the corners of your shower or tub weekly. No need to use bleach or other toxic chemicals. Many environmentally safe cleaners will kill bacteria and viruses.
Check out these at http://www.healthy-environments.com/safe-cleaning-products.asp
2) Easy to clean bathroom floors are the best. Clean mats in hot water weekly and make sure they dry out between uses.

Kitchen Tips....
1) Clean and sweep around the stove, refrigerator and toaster, where crumbs tend to gather. Don't leave dishes in the sink. Keep all food sealed tight.
2) Caulk areas where pests can come in walls, windows and floor cracks. Bugs and cockroaches can add to poor air quality.


These are just a few steps towards a healthier environment. To receive a FREE report on the First 7 Steps Towards an Allergy-Free Home at-
http://www.healthy-environments.com/Claim-Free-Reports.asp .
Deborah Mumm has been an Indoor Air Specialist since 1996.

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To Your Health....

Debbie Mumm ~ The Allergy Queen