5 Strategies to Transform Your Home into a Healthier Living Space

During cold and flu season, if you're experiencing sniffles, it might be time to evaluate your home environment. Maintaining a clean and healthy space can help ward off illnesses, but there are additional steps you can take to reduce your chances of catching a virus. Home health professionals have shared simple yet effective measures to protect your home from germs and strengthen your immune system. Whether you're already feeling unwell or aiming to prevent illness, these tips will significantly enhance the healthiness of your living space.

Enhance Indoor Air Quality

“Enhancing indoor air quality is one of the most effective ways to boost our health at home,” explains Michael Rubino, an expert in mold and air quality, environmental wellness advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse. “On average, a person takes 20,000 breaths a day and spends 90 percent of their time indoors. Ensuring these environments have clean air is a critical yet often neglected factor in maintaining overall wellness.” Thankfully, there are numerous methods to improve the air quality inside your home.

Maintain Regular Cleaning

One of the easiest ways to enhance your home's air quality is through consistent cleaning. This prevents the accumulation of toxins in the form of dust and debris. Regularly clean all surfaces, vacuum, and dust using microfiber towels (which are more effective at trapping dust than other materials), eco-friendly cleaning products, and a HEPA vacuum cleaner to maintain a pristine living environment. 

Another straightforward method to improve your home's health is to remove your shoes when entering, suggests Andy Pace, a Healthy Home Concierge and founder of The Green Design Center, a hub for homeowners and contractors seeking eco-friendly and health-conscious products and designs. Wearing shoes indoors can introduce various germs and counteract your cleaning efforts. Designate a mudroom or shoe area near your entrance to keep footwear separate from your living spaces.

Minimize Clutter

Reducing clutter is an excellent strategy to minimize dust and germ accumulation in your home. Dust is a major contributor to airborne toxins, and decluttering decreases the surface area where dust typically settles. A tidy home is also simpler to maintain. “The fewer items on surfaces, the healthier the environment and, more crucially, the better the air quality will be,” Rubino emphasizes.

Dust Frequently

Consistently dusting your furniture and household items will improve air quality and lower your chances of falling ill. “Dust often,” Rubino advises. “Harmful particles like mold spores, mycotoxins, bacteria, pollen, and pet dander accumulate where dust settles. When disturbed, these particles become airborne and can enter our lungs through inhalation. Less dust means healthier air and better health for us.”

Utilize Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can significantly enhance your home's air quality and support your immune system. “Invest in air purifiers equipped with advanced technology to remove airborne contaminants,” Rubino suggests. “A whole-house purification system is ideal to avoid the limitations of multiple smaller units.” Opt for purifiers featuring HEPA filtration to effectively eliminate harmful substances from the air. 

Frequently Replace Air Filters

Make sure to replace your HVAC filters on a regular basis. Clogged filters fail to trap airborne pollutants, allowing them to re-enter your living space. “Arrange for HVAC maintenance twice a year,” Rubino recommends. “Since these systems act as the home's 'lungs,' it’s crucial to ensure they function properly and remain free from microbial contamination.”

Maintain Balanced Humidity Levels

Humidity levels should strike a balance—neither too high nor too low—for optimal health. If you reside in a dry region or experience fluctuating humidity, investing in a humidifier can be beneficial. “One of the most effective initial steps to enhancing indoor air quality is maintaining humidity below 50 percent to reduce the risk of mold growth,” Pace advises. 

Choose Appropriate Cleaning Products

High-quality cleaning products can help maintain your health while enhancing your indoor living experience. To support your immune system, clean with microfiber towels and eco-friendly solutions. Apply anti-bacterial wipes and cleaners to frequently touched surfaces like door handles, faucets, refrigerator doors, and toilet handles. 

A HEPA vacuum cleaner is essential for maintaining clean air—it utilizes a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to capture at least 99.97 percent of dust, dirt, and particles as small as 0.3 microns. This effectively removes allergens, pet dander, pollen, and mold from your environment. 

Transform Your Bedroom into a Sleep Haven

Boost your immune system by creating a clean, tranquil space for rest. Turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary with blackout curtains and calming scents like lavender to encourage relaxation. Maintain a dark and cool environment for the best sleep quality. 

“Bedroom flooring should consist of hard surfaces like wood or cork for easy cleaning and reduced dust retention,” Pace suggests. Ensure your mattress is both comfortable and supportive for restful sleep. Wash your bedding frequently, dust regularly, and use natural cleaning products. If you lack an HVAC filtration system, consider placing an air purifier in your bedroom to enhance air quality. 

Fill Your Fridge with Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 

Immune-boosting foods are essential for maintaining health and combating cold and flu season. Reduce your intake of heavily processed foods and incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Key immunity-enhancing options include citrus fruits, leafy greens, red bell peppers, and broccoli. Fresh ginger and garlic not only add flavor to meals but also provide an extra immune boost.

While making these changes, consider reducing alcohol consumption, as research suggests it may weaken immunity. Clearing out your bar cart can help minimize temptation. Replace alcoholic beverages with immune-supporting drinks for a healthier alternative.

Create a Dedicated Exercise Area

Whether it’s a yoga mat tucked in a corner or an entire room for workouts, having a home exercise space is an excellent way to enhance your health and strengthen your immune system. Regular physical activity helps fortify your immune response, improves mental well-being, and promotes better sleep.