HEALTHY HOUSEKEEPING

Description
Healthy housekeeping is the maintenance of cleanliness of a home in order to prevent infections, and other disorders caused by various microorganisms.  Healthy housekeeping also entails use of natural cleaning substances to prevent and minimize adverse effects on the environment that can cause disease.

Statistical studies show the following:
Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors so it is of high importance to keep their homes free of allergens, microorganisms or chemicals that might be carcinogenic. 
  •  90% of all poison exposures occur at home
  •  218,316 reported poison exposures in 2005 were from household cleaning products
  •  90% of our time is spent indoors. EPA reports that air pollution is up to five times higher inside than outside
  •  Indoor pollutants come from all sorts of chemicals we use to make our lives easier every day—paints, carpets, furniture, household cleaners, personal care, among others
  •  EPA studies indicate that elevated concentration of household chemicals persist in the air. Longterm exposure to chemicals inside our homes may be harmful to us and our families
  •  Some 20 million Americans have asthma
  •  An average of one out of every 13 school-aged children has asthma
  •  Asthma rates in children under age five have increased more than 160% from 1980-1994
  •  Common household cleaners and appliances give off fumes, which can potentially increase the risk of children developing asthma

Symptoms
The following are some of the things found in an unhealthy home that causes or worsens medical conditions especially respiratory problems;
  •  Dampness: A major culprit in the production of mold
  •  Pests: A common cause of allergic reactions and asthma
  •  Dust: A known allergen
  •  Clutter: Too much stuff lying around unorganized prevents adequate cleaning and an ideal growth medium for pests. (Get Organized)
  •  Polluted: Often the way we clean causes the home to be polluted with chemicals that may cause disease

Diseases that can be worsened or caused by allergens and pollutants include some of the following:
  •  Asthma
  •  Certain Cancers
  •  Heart Disease
  •  Compromised immune system

 Questions to ask the expert
  •  How many years experience have you had helping individuals maintain healthy home environment
  •  What is your success rate
  •  Certificates and Licenses
  •  References

General Tips
TO REMOVE DUST FROM THE HOME:
  •  Install an air filter
  •  Remove stuffed animals that harbor dust
  •  Vacuum carpets on a regular basis

FOR PEST CONTROL
  •  Keep counter tops clean and wash dishes immediately after eating
  •  Take out the trash on a daily basis
  •  Keep cookies, crackers, cereals, flour and sugar in sealed containers
  •  Make sure to caulk any cracks in the walls and repair plumbing leaks
  •  Add screens to your windows

FOR MOLD PREVENTION
  •  Hang wet towels after use
  •  Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated
  •  Replace shower curtains periodically

FOR PREVENTION OF BACTERIAL GROWTH
  •  Wash dishes frequently
  •  Clean the kitchen sink, counters and stove tops often
  •  Wipe the showers after each use
  •  Wash rags, brushes in the washer and put sponges in the dishwasher at least once a week

FOR PREVENTION OF CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS WHILE PROTECTING THE PLANET
  •  Use organic cleaning substances
  •  Make sure your home is well ventilated

List of Products & Services
   •  Get Clean Special Edition Kit (As seen on the OPRAH SHOW "Oprah's Get Clean Kit)
Welcome Get Clean into your home, and you can be sure you’re letting in products that care as much about your family’s safety as you do. Not to mention the earth’s safety. And yet, they clean more powerfully than lot’s of the other cleaners you probably use.

   •  Basic H2TM Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate
   •  Basic H2TM Organic Super Cleaning Wipes
   •  Get Clean 16 oz. Spray Bottle
   •  Get Clean Super Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
   •  Get Clean Super Microfiber Dish Sponge
   •  Basic-G® Concentrated Germicide
   •  AirSource® 3000 Air Purifier 

Books and Publications
   •  The Healthy Home Workbook: Easy Steps for Eco-Friendly Living (Spiral-bound) 
   •  Home Enlightenment: Practical, Earth-Friendly Advice for Creating a Nurturing, Healthy, and Toxin-Free Home and Lifestyle (Hardcover) 
   •  Homes That Heal (and those that don't) : How Your Home Could be Harming Your Family's Health (Paperback) 

Go to the Expert:
   •  Mold Remediation
   •  Pest Control