Your home should be the place you go to relax and recharge after a long or difficult day. However, you might notice feeling sicker inside your house than in public. Those health issues might be traced back to a few problems in your residence, and addressing them can make a world of difference.
Unfortunately, health issues can be common in homes that aren't cared for properly. Sometimes, it's not totally your fault — you may not even know there’s an issue. Here are a few things to watch out for that could negatively impact your health.
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1. Inadequate Lighting
Insufficient lighting can damage your eyesight or cause headaches. You should always ensure you have the proper lighting for your activities. Natural light can improve your mood, so strive to get as much as possible. You can choose sheer curtains for your home and effectively work on projects while the sun’s up.
2. Wall and Decor Colors
Your home’s colors are more important than you might think because they can elicit different feelings in people. The right shades can create a stress-free environment. Consider what inspires you and helps you feel at ease and make any necessary changes if they don’t work.
3. Toxic Cleaning Products
You should check everything that comes into your home — including what you use to clean it. You may have toxic cleaning products underneath your kitchen sink that can cause health problems or hurt your lungs. Find all-natural human- and pet-friendly products and work them into your budget. They might cost a bit more, but the health benefits are worth it.
4. Different Types of Flooring
A recent renovation may leave you feeling ill or cause headaches. Your floor might be the culprit, especially if it’s one of the types that can fill your air with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You can find special low-VOC products by checking which brands have passed a test and been certified to show those compounds aren’t as present. You can also keep indoor plants to help purify the air and brighten your space.
Additionally, choosing the right flooring material is crucial for indoor air quality and overall well-being. Epoxy flooring benefits include being low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), easy to clean, and resistant to mold and bacteria, making it a healthy choice for any home. Learn more about these advantages here.
5. Uncomfortable Furniture
Old furniture is bound to wear out eventually. It can leave you sore or make you feel uncomfortable. Replace it with pieces that serve you best. For example, desk chairs should support proper posture and couches should be comfortable enough to sit in for extended periods. You can find affordable furniture by shopping secondhand if you’re on a budget.
6. Bathroom Mold
Mold can grow anywhere damp and dark, and even though most bathrooms have proper ventilation to fight it, it's still more prevalent there than almost anywhere else. Switching on the fan after a shower or bath is a great way to dispel growth, but you must also clean those surfaces regularly to stop mold.
Breathing in a few spores can negatively affect someone with allergies or weakened immune systems. Dry things in less than 48 hours to stop the growth and spread of harmful mold. For example, letting water damage from an upstairs bathroom sit and get worse will cause wood to rot and compromise your home’s integrity.
7. Not Enough Cleaning
A dirty home can make you feel physically and mentally drained. Therefore, making a cleaning schedule is necessary.
A cleaning schedule might look something like this:
- Monday: Bathrooms
- Tuesday: Kitchen
- Wednesday: Bedrooms
- Thursday: Living areas
- Friday: Transitional spaces, like hallways and entryways
- Saturday: Yardwork
- Sunday: Rest
Come up with a plan that works for you. For example, you might want to do lighter cleaning on workdays and spend more time on your days off.
8. Too Much Clutter
Clutter can lead to stress, taking up space in your brain and leaving you less able to focus on what’s important. You may also start to get irritated over little things. Just as you work more efficiently at a clean desk, you can enjoy your life much more in a clean, decluttered home.
The best way to declutter is to tackle things room by room. As you organize your home, you’ll probably make a bigger mess before it’s entirely clean. Take time to get your house in order and employ creative tactics if necessary. For example, baskets are a great way to organize things that have a specific spot. They come in several variations to fit your aesthetic, like copper or wire for a more modern look.
9. Unkempt Pet Spaces
Think of the last time you changed your bedding. Now, compare that to your dog's bed or crate. Have you taken care of your animals the way you would yourself? The lack of upkeep could make you feel unwell. You must wash their bedding often and ensure it's clean to eliminate the underlying odor, dirt and dander that might affect you.
You should also prioritize keeping bacteria-prone areas clean. For example, washing out a dog's bowl with water every night might be a good idea, but remember to scrub it or run it through the dishwasher at least once a week. You should also frequently change your cat's litter and throw away toys that are prone to harboring bacteria or mold.
The Way You Treat Your Home Matters
Several moving pieces go into making your home what it is, and not caring for it properly could affect your mental and physical health. You must pay attention to any potential issues in your house and deal with them as quickly as possible. A little attention will ensure your residence makes you feel relaxed, happy and healthy.
