As spring clears away the dreariness of winter, many of us get the urge to add some extra elbow grease to our usual house cleaning chores. The purging and scrubbing might be good for our mental health, but did you know that how you clean your home can also have an impact on your physical health?

Below is some information to help you make informed decisions for a healthy and safe home as you dig into your spring cleaning ritual.

Clean may not mean healthy

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides information on the safety and environmental impact of consumer products. They maintain a database called “EWG's Healthy Living: Home Guide,” which rates cleaning products – and other household products such as air fresheners – based on their ingredients and potential health hazards. The guide is also helpful for people who have allergies.

Here are some tips and warnings about certain products for both humans and pets:

• Take care with bleach. Common household bleach is a mainstay in many households for laundry and cleaning, as well as disinfecting, but with that use comes some precautions. The Centers for Disease Control offers the following advice when using bleach:
• ~Do not mix bleach with other cleaners, particularly ammonia.
• ~Use it in a well-ventilated room; an open window or door to allow fresh air in is ideal. If that’s not possible, wear a mask to prevent breathing in the fumes.
• ~Protect your skin by using rubber gloves and non-porous footwear. Eye protection is also advisable.
• Never assume your cleaner is “pet friendly.” Many pet lovers view their house pets as family – which is good, because when it comes to cleaning products, treat them as you would small children! According to The Humane Society, use caution with any product that contains the word “phenol” in its ingredient list. Other ingredients to watch out for include bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol. Remember also that not all essential oils are safe for pets.

Indoor environmental health‍

Spring pollens can slam the door shut for allergy sufferers. The Mayo Clinic offers several easy tips for keeping your home pollen-free while reducing dust.

• Clean your bed and bedding weekly and use mite-proof covers and synthetic-filled materials (versus feathers). Replacing upholstered furniture with wood or other non-fabric materials can also help, but if that’s not possible, vacuum frequently. Some removable furniture covers can be laundered or cleaned with a suitable upholstery detergent.
• Consider hardwood or tile flooring with washable throw rugs versus carpeting.
• Ditch those hard-to-clean horizontal blinds and use roller-type shades or window curtains. Thoroughly clean window frames and sills where condensation and mold might accumulate.
• Clear the clutter that accumulates dust, including your books and magazines. Store children’s toys in plastic bins, particularly stuffed animals.
• Keep pets clean to reduce dander. A weekly bath is recommended.
• Scrub bathroom and kitchen fixtures frequently to prevent mold. Spring cleaning is also a good time to check under sinks for small leaks.
• Remove wallpaper and use a mold-resistant enamel paint or tile instead.
• Pests like insects and mice can also trigger allergies. If you see evidence of an infestation, call an exterminator. Seal any points of entry they find.
• Check your refrigerator seals for mold, then clean or replace them.
• Let house plants work for you. We know plants are important for air quality, and they can also remove indoor toxins; a study by NASA found that they can even remove dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. Balance those benefits with any plant-related allergies you may have.
• Make sure you have working alarms – both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, if warranted.

One other note: If your house is newer with energy-saving features such as thick insulation, double-paned or sealed windows, good ventilation and air filtration systems are important. Ensure your stove has a well-designed vented exhaust fan, maintain an optimum indoor temperature that keeps relative humidity down (or use a dehumidifier), and use a small-particle or HEPA filter in your cooling system (and in your vacuum cleaner). You can also purchase an air purifier. If you have ceiling fans, make sure they are kept clean to prevent them from circulating trapped dust and pollen.

Other spring tasks‍

While you’re going through your home, make note of other items that can be harmful to your physical and mental health. Check your hot water heater temperature; the Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacteria development in your tank and scorching. Keep an eye out for overloaded outlets, frayed cords, and working GFCI outlets both indoors and outdoors, and in garages and workshops. Finally, replace outdated lighting with LED bulbs to reduce eye strain.

Accomplishing a thorough spring cleaning is rewarding and healthy – and frees you up to enjoy everything this season of newness has to offer!

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