Say goodbye to dust and dust mites

Rag in one hand and vacuum in the other, be sure to keep your house clean on a regular basis.  For dusting, no need to use a cleaning product: a damp cloth will do.  Dust the furniture, light fixtures, knick-knacks, etc. Don’t forget to wipe the plants and the dog cage.  Take the opportunity to clear any clutter from the rooms by removing all that is not necessary and vacuum as often as possible. 

Dust mites are bound to find their way into your mattress and bedding, cushions, carpets, upholstered furniture and any dark and moist places.  While it is impossible to eliminate them completely, you can prevent them from spreading by cleaning carpets and other objects with a steam cleaner and using a hypoallergenic cover on all mattresses. Air out the beds 30 minutes every day and wash beddings once a week in hot water.

Baking soda here, white vinegar there

Baking soda and vinegar are essential to a healthy home.  These low-cost, eco-friendly, non-toxic products can do wonders!   

Everyone knows how effective an open box of baking soda is for neutralizing odours in the refrigerator. But did you know that you can also use it to clean all of the following:

  • Countertops, kitchen sink and bathroom fixtures
  • Lunchboxes and plastic containers
  • Range hood and stovetop
  • Inside the microwave
  • Silverware and chrome
  • Tile floors

You can also sprinkle your carpets with baking soda to remove odours and freshen them up.  This also works with sports articles, including the infamous hockey bag, which will smell fresh after a sprinkle of baking soda.

White vinegar will become your best friend for cleaning glass and mirrors.  In a spray bottle, simply dilute 1 cup of vinegar in 3 cups of water and voila! This mixture also acts as a degreaser, removes lime deposits, makes sinks and bathroom fixtures shine, deodorizes garbage cans and cleans walls and floors without leaving any residue.

And to breathe even easier

  • Moisture control is a priority. The higher the humidity, the easier it is for mould to grow and with mould comes poor indoor air quality.  Use a hygrometer.
  • Do not allow smoking in your home.
  • Clean the filters in the range hood and bathroom fan.
  • Place air purifying plants such as philodendrons or spider plants.
  • Ventilate your house every day in summer and winter alike.