In today’s tough economy, it’s hard to get sick.
We do almost everything to make sure that we’re on top of our health. We eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. We sanitize as soon as we come out of the public toilet, cover our face with mask to protect us from germs and bring umbrellas and other necessities to avoid catching cold and getting sick. Outside environment is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria so we head out into the world armoured with necessary amenities.
Whilst outside environment is indeed dangerous, did you know that our home can also be a dangerous place?
Yes, we can get sick even at the comfort of our home.
Here’s how we can be sick even if we stay in the whole day.
- Your Bed Sheets
Our bed is one of the most favorite places in the entire house. Just a thought of lying around in your warm and cozy bed can surely calm your nerves. We always picture our bed as relaxing, soft, inviting and rejuvenating.
What we don’t always picture our bed is that it’s also a place filled with unseen germs and bacteria. You may not be aware of this, but there are other organisms that lay in your bedroom as you lay there also.
This thought may sound gross and repulsing, but it’s entirely true.
If you have cold, your bed sheet could be one of the culprits. It contains thousands of dust mites which increase your risk of getting an infection or cold. It’s also a haven for bacteria that can cause food poisoning or flu. Don’t make the bed when you go out as it will trap the moisture which dust mites love.
To remove dust mites and other bacteria from your bed sheets, wash the linens in 60degree water while using detergent that is antibacterial. It also helps if you vacuum regularly and keep the windows open to relieve your room of humidity.
- Your Cleaning Products
Did you know that some homes contain more harmful chemicals than a chemistry lab?
This is the sad truth. Try looking at your cleaning products and you’ll be surprised that some of them contain toxics that are harmful to our health. These products are lethal when reached by children and can even make adults get sick.
These are the most harmful chemicals found in our cleaning products:
- Phthalates – They are found in many fragranced household products such as dish soap, air fresheners, and even toilet papers. These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors. Men that have higher levels of phthalates compound in their blood have higher risk of reduced sperm count. Instead of using commercial air fresheners, opt for the natural methods instead.
- Perchloroethylene or “PERC” – they are found in spot remover, dry cleaning solutions and upholstery and carpet cleaners. This substance is classified as possible carcinogens and being exposed to them can cause loss of coordination, dizziness and other symptoms.
- Triclosan – they are found in “antibacterial” soaps and liquid dishwashing detergents. Not only this substance promotes the growth of bacteria that are drug-resistant, they are also a probable carcinogenic.
- Vacuum Cleaner
Our vacuum cleaners are one of the most useful tools in making our home clean. With its significance when it comes to home sanitation, no one would think that this useful machine can also be a risk factor in making our family members sick.
Sure, they make our house sparkly clean by removing dusts and other particles, but what do we do with the particles that it removed afterwards? Do we just let them sit in our vacuum cleaners?
Your vacuum cleaner removes all the dirt, dust, and bacteria from our home. But there are some vacuum cleaners that spit them back into the air, causing allergies and infections. To avoid this from happening, choose top rated steam cleaning machine or vacuum cleaners that are of good quality.
- Filthy Refrigerator Drawers
One of the most satisfying things to do is to opening a refrigerator full of meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables and other foods. Little did we know that though our trusted ref can hold our food supply, they also hold harmful substances that may cause sickness.
Most of us are guilty of this habit – we don’t clean our refrigerator before filling it up with new supplies. Sticky substances and old grocery supplies may get into your fresh food and make them go bad quickly. Though crispy drawers are intended for fruits and vegetables, some of us put soda cans and even meat on them. This can contaminate the fresh products.
Bacteria strive to live in food stored in temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees, so always keep your refrigerator below 40 degrees. Also avoid hoarding too much food and storing them in the fridge for proper air circulation.
Make your home a safe place for your loved one. Get rid of products that contain harmful ingredients and always keep your tiny abode immaculately clean. Being visibly clean does not mean that it’s entirely clean so let’s disinfect properly. Being on top of these common household cleaning tips will ensure that your family is protected from sickness and infections.
