Keeping It Clean
Clutter in homes may lead to accidents, and dust, grime, and dust mites contribute to illness and allergies. A study by the National Institute of Nursing Research showed that households that use hot water and bleach in the laundry have an almost 25 percent less incidence of infections than households that don't use bleach.
Essential
For cleaning, use a mixture of one-fourth cup of household bleach in one gallon of room-temperature water for disinfectant purposes. Apply the mixture lightly to surfaces, let it sit for ten minutes, and then rinse.
Take the following steps to help keep you safer and your home clean and hygienic:
Take your trash out every day.
Change your sheets at least once a week and wash all bed linens in hot water once a week to keep down the proliferation of dust mites that contribute to allergies.
Vacuum your home frequently also to keep dust and allergies at bay.
Seal holes and cracks in the floor and around baseboards, fireplaces, and pipes to keep dirt and insects out.
Bathe pets once a month and keep them off couches, chairs, and beds to prevent their fur and dander from contaminating the home.
And though they seem like excellent sanitation products, keep in mind that antibacterial hand soaps wash away the good flora with the bad, so practice good hand-washing techniques with mild soap and warm water instead.
