6 Healthy Habits to Protect Your Home #HealthierHome

I am proud to be a 3M-sponsored blogger, and as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate 3M products. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me.

Cold and flu season is here, and we are in the midst of it! It’s unusual for us to be suffering so much. My kids have never really had a lot of colds, so this is a challenge for me – runny noses, sore throats and raspy voices. And we all know when you have a sinus cold, you are more vulnerable to allergens. I thought we’d have to miss Thanksgiving!

But since we are all suffering, it’s time to get up and make some changes that will help reduce toxins or create a healthier home:

1. Better hand washing. I know it seems silly, but we’ve gone BACK to singing the alphabet song while we wash hands with the kids. Zoe has gotten lazy about even using soap (we’re always running out – the downside of natural bars), so we stocked up on some and I have refreshed her memory on how to use the soap and rinse it off. Remember, stop using hand sanitizer – which is full of toxins – and get back to use a clean, natural soap.
2. Time for deep cleaning. I haven’t done one since September, but I feel like we are due in every room. We’ve made some furniture and room changes, so we cleaned a little but it’s time to be more room intensives especially in the bedrooms. And, can’t forget to dust the only set of slat blinds we have! We use organic products only as well as DIY cleaners: white vinegar, baking soda, etc. Remember, this include hiring a chimney sweep if you have a full fireplace!
3. Scheduling regular cleaning. I’m so bad at this! Other than the kitchen, I forget to take the time to dusts, sweep and vacuum. I’m going to start enlisting the kids. I just read today as well that doing this frequently (like 2-3 times a week) can reduce exposure to unavailable toxins (like what your couch off-gases). This is a good practice for them as well to take ownership of responsibilities they’ll need as adults.
4. Wash the big linens. I hate washing quilts, they take forever to dry (always on a cold night), but it’s clearly that time of year to refresh all the blankets and the curtains. Here too, we use organic laundry brands only.
5. Make everyone remove their shoes. The winter is the perfect time to start this, if you don’t do it yet. Shoes track all kinds of toxins in from the outside, like lawn pesticides. Simply making everyone keep their outdoor shoes in by the door will help. You can eve get a special rack or container to store them and you can have indoor only shoes or slippers. The upside? No mud, snow or salt tracked into your home during a rough winter!
6. Changing your air filter. Has it been a while since you’ve changed yours? Then maybe it’s time. Using the Filtrete Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen Reduction Filter (MPR 1900) can help you create a healthier home because it attracts and captures airborne microscopic particles that can carry bacteria and viruses. Learn more at www.Filtrete.com, and register for their seasonal e-newsletter, filter change reminders, and other special offers.

With the fuss and muss of the holidays, simple habits like these are a necessity. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a ton of cleaning to start!

 What healthy home habits are you pursuing this holiday season?