chroniclinghome The idea that there could be hidden nasties in our home, toxins that could make us ill, can be a real worry. Often, they are present but thankfully don’t cause any real problems. But there are situations where levels may increase, or people may be particularly vulnerable to them; especially if you have young children or are at risk of allergic reactions. So what can you do to combat these toxins and make your home safer?
Common toxins
Mould is nasty stuff that can build up for a number of reasons. Dampness and too much moisture in the home is a top one as well as mould growing on food in crevices along the side of benches or under the fridge. There are lots of types of mould that grow on different things, but all can give out spores that can cause nasty allergic reactions and that’s why it’s so important to look for signs of mould around the home and get it under control.
Mention dust mites and most people will start itching – it is an instinctive reaction. Dust mites are found mostly on fabric and in carpets rather than on people. They feed on dead skin that falls off people and from pet dander. They can be hard to spot and can cause problems for people when they are present, especially ins something like your mattress. Dust mites can also cause problems such as eczema.
Cleaning products help to handle problems but chemicals in them can, ironically, also cause them. Disinfectants, aerosol sprays, cleaners and pesticides can all have chemical-based elements that can cause a bad reaction if people are especially sensitive and struggle with conditions such as eczema and asthma. They can also even contain elements such as triclosan – this reacts to UV light to create the phenomenon known as indoor smog. Most cleaning products are safe but if you think you are sensitive, it could be worth switching to homemade or more natural cleaning products.
How to combat indoor toxins
These are just a few of the most common toxins that we introduce or let into our homes. But there are also lots of easy ways to combat them.
Use a doormat
Doormats are placed immediately inside every door in the house that leads from outside and can catch a lot of those nasties to stop them from being tracked into the house. Don’t forget to regularly vacuum them to make sure the nasties are removed and don’t get the chance to spread.
Use the vacuum and mop regularly
Both your vacuum cleaner and wet mop are your friends when it comes to removing toxins. Many vacuum cleaners have filters to help grab these toxins (some are specifically designed for allergens) and a simple wet mop of a floor helps remove debris that toxins can be found within.
Wipe down surfaces
Again, warm water and a cloth are all you need to remove any debris or dust that is accumulating on surfaces. This is the kind of spot that mould can grow so by removing its food source, you can combat the problem.
Avoid chemical cleaners
If you can avoid chemical cleaners, you can reduce the risk of a reaction. Instead look at natural cleaners such as lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, baking soda or even just warm water to get the job done. Alternatively looking into natural or organic cleaning products.
When you need more extreme measures…
There are also other ways to monitor the home and spot potential problems. Radon and carbon monoxide detectors can be lifesaving, spotting those invisible gases that can cause health problems and even be fatal in extreme cases.
A humidity tester can help you achieve the ideal of 30-50% humidity in the home. Too high and dampness is a problem while too low and the home is dry and unpleasant. A dehumidifier is then sometimes useful.
Finally, look at the ventilation of the house. Kitchens and windowless bathrooms are top culprits for creating situations where toxins can be found so look at fans and other ways to ventilate the space.
Cleaning up the air in your home doesn’t have to be complex. There are lots of little steps to take and equipment to get to help. Then you can avoid those nasty toxins and be happy and healthy at home.
