Maintaining a Clean Home Environment

Let’s be real—completely shielding your home from germs and bacteria is nearly impossible. The good news? You don’t need to. Exposure to certain microbes can actually bolster your immune system and reduce the likelihood of children developing asthma and allergies. It’s all about striking the right balance between cleanliness and comfort without making your home overly sterile.

That said, maintaining a clean environment and regularly disinfecting surfaces can significantly impact how often you get sick and your overall well-being.

Why Keep a Clean Home?

A clean home isn’t just about appearances—though that’s certainly a perk, especially when unexpected guests drop by. With the kids back in school, now might be the perfect time to refresh your living space. A clean home can do more than just keep viruses at bay; it also offers a range of health benefits.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?

Before diving in, let’s clarify some common cleaning terms:

• Clean: Removing visible dirt, dust, and grime from surfaces with water and soap.
• Sanitize: Reducing the number of germs to safe levels, typically using weaker bleach solutions or sanitizing sprays after cleaning.
• Disinfect: Killing most germs on a surface using stronger bleach solutions or disinfecting chemicals. Like sanitizing, surfaces should be cleaned first.

When Should You Sanitize and Disinfect?

Routine cleaning with soap and water usually does the trick for removing most germs. However, you should consider sanitizing and disinfecting if:

• Someone in your home has been sick recently
• A visitor was sick
• You live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Combat germs and viruses introduced into your home with thorough disinfecting to keep everyone healthy.

Benefits of Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting

While some benefits of cleaning are obvious—like avoiding mold and dust buildup—others might surprise you. Here are the top advantages:

• Kick Viruses to the Curb: Regularly disinfecting can help prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV by reducing the number of germs in your home.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Cutting down on dust can improve air quality, which is especially beneficial for those with asthma, allergies, or COPD. Consider adding an air purifier to take it a step further.
• Reduce Stress: A clean, organized home can create a peaceful environment, helping you manage stress better. Decluttering your space can lead to a decluttered mind.
• Enjoy Better Sleep: A tidy bedroom with freshly laundered sheets can promote restful sleep by reducing exposure to dust and allergens. Plus, knowing the rest of your home is clean can help you relax.
• Get Active: Cleaning may not burn as many calories as a gym session, but it can still get you moving. Make it more of a workout by incorporating lunges, squats, or yoga poses into your routine.
• Prevent Accidents: Keeping floors and stairways clutter-free is crucial for preventing slips and falls, especially if someone in your home is elderly or has mobility issues.

Incorporating these practices into your routine can lead to a cleaner, healthier, and happier home environment.