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Tips for Creating a Healthy Home Environment

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Remove Clutter

Having clutter around the house prevents you from being able to clean properly. Remember, dust likes to hide in, around and under objects, leading to an increase in allergens in the home. Keeping items off the floor allows you to properly vacuum and wash floors which helps reduce dust mites. Photo: Getty Images

Pick a HEPA Vacuum

A vacuum can be your wisest investment. One of the main culprits in homes is dander. Dander or skin cells can be produced by humans as well as pets. When buying a vacuum, select a unit with a HEPA filter. This will allow you to clean your home more thoroughly, and pick up microscopic dander that can accumulate in your home and cause allergies. Photo: Getty Images

Clean with Vinegar

Selecting a natural cleaning product is always a great option. Using white distilled vinegar and water as a cleaning agent can help reduce bacteria, mold and pests in your home. Vinegar has been shown to eliminate bacteria on a cutting board, reduce mold in a bathroom shower, and deter ants from invading your kitchen. It is also great for cleaning windows, flooring and counter tops with its natural antibacterial properties. Photo: Getty Images

Change Air Filters in your Heating/Air Conditioning System

People often forget that they have filters in their heating and cooling systems that need to be changed. Filters should be replaced every 1-2 months depending on how much the system is running. This will help improve indoor air quality and reduce particulate throughout the home. Also, try hiring a company to service your HVAC system and clean your air ducts, this will remove dust, mold and debris from your air and make sure your system is operating properly. PHoto: Getty Images

Reduce Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) can be emitted from personal care products, carpet, furniture, paint, building products and fragrances. When these VOC levels become elevated in a home, individuals may suffer from numerous symptoms such as headaches, malaise, asthma and respiratory irritation. Try to ventilate the house during any construction projects, reduce using fragrances in the home and store harsh chemicals (paints, solvents, cleaners and pesticides) away from occupied spaces, ideally outside in a shed or storage area. Photo: Getty Images

Use your Nose

Your nose is your best weapon in detecting things in the home that may be dangerous to your health. Chemicals, mold, dander and other allergens can put off smells or cause allergic reactions that can tell us that something may be wrong in our homes. If you notice health symptoms or strange smells (musty, chemical, or pungent odors), you should consult your doctor or have an indoor air quality specialist investigate your home to determine if it is healthy and safe. Photo: Getty Images

Test your Indoor Air Quality

If you really want to know how healthy your home is? You can purchase a comprehensive air testing kit that will give you a complete breakdown of your air. These tests are a great starting point for improving your home health and can tell you what may be wrong and ways to make improvements. A majority of allergens are invisible to the naked eye and can cause you allergic symptoms without ever being seen. Common things to test for include mold, dander, dust mites and volatile organic compounds. Photo: Getty Images

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