Category: Healthy Home

The fall season is upon us here across the country.  The leaves are changing colors.  The pumpkin and apple farms are full of excited children hoping to find that perfect pumpkin.  The weekends are full of Harvest Festivals during the day and Halloween Haunted Houses at night.

The only negative thing about fall is the rising utility bills the colder weather brings.

1. Seal leaks by adding weather stripping around entry doors. Heat can easily leak out through the spacing surrounding the doorway. This instantly eliminates cold drafts.
2. Fall is the perfect time to inspect the chimney in preparation of the first fire of the season. Hire a professional chimney sweep once a year to clean away soot and creosote, which can cause a fire. They also will inspect your flue, vent systems and pipes to make sure everything is connected and free of rust.
3. Once a year, schedule an appointment with a heating and air conditioning technician to inspect your furnace before you need to turn it on to heat your home. The technician will make sure that there are no gas leaks and that everything is in working order. Be sure to replace filters regularly.  When buying a new furnace, look for one that is rated 90 percent or higher in energy efficiency. Replacing an old furnace with a more energy-efficient one can result in up to 30 percent savings. Be sure to look for the Energy Star label.
4. Installing insulation could be the cheapest way to make the most impact when it comes to energy savings. Lay insulation in the basement, attic and crawl space. Insulation can also be blown into the inside of your exterior walls to retain heat during colder months.
5. Heat gets sucked away through drafty windows, electrical outlets, light switches and other interior openings. Install foam gaskets behind outlets and switches to keep heat inside. Close unused outlets with plastic safety caps. Use caulk to seal openings around windows. Make sure your windows are locked to help keep heat inside.
6. Open your curtains and blinds facing the south side of your home. The sun acts as free solar heating and also provides light during the daytime hours.  Be sure to close all window coverings in the evening to keep heat inside.
7. Keep the temperature of your water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit at all times to save money on your heating bill. This is also an important safety precaution if you have small children.

Do you have any energy saving tips that you would like to share?  Send us your comments!

This week on "Clean Green Talk Radio," Leslie Reichert and I spoke about choosing the perfect vacuum cleaner for your home.  We went over ten things that you should consider before purchasing a vacuum.  Here are a few useful tips that we spoke about on the show:

• Before purchasing a vacuum, decide what type of vacuum cleaner you prefer to use:  canister or upright.
• The weight of a vacuum is directly related to the suction of the vacuum.  Choose between a lighter vacuum or a heavier vacuum with better suction.
• Canister vacuums are better for cleaning hardwood floors.
• Bagless vacuum cleaners are probably not a good idea to own if you suffer from allergies.
• An aggressive beater bar is a great way to get rid of pet hair and dander.
• If you have stairs, make sure your vacuum's hose attachment can reach at least half way up your staircase.
• A sealed HEPA system that does not leak dust out of the vacuum is a great option for people with asthma or allergies.
• Be sure to research repair records on the vacuum you are thinking about buying.
• Don't just buy a vacuum...invest in one!

For more information on choosing the right vacuum, read Leslie's blog post at https://www.kmart.com/community/?s=leslie.

Tune in to "Clean Green Talk Radio" every Tuesday morning live on W4WN Radio at 9AM EST and share your thoughts and recipes with us! 

Did you know that a few small changes in your home can help save energy and lower your utility bills? 

Here are some things to think about when doing your laundry:

Adjust the water level according to laundry load size on your washer.  You save energy by using less hot water for small loads.

Since running a partial load uses the same amount of energy as a full load, always run a full load in your washer and dryer.  Running full loads also allows you to run your washer and dryer less often.

Washing laundry with warm or cold water (instead of hot) works your water heater less.  Use hot water only when deep cleaning is needed.

Because the "rinse cycle" water temperature has no effect on cleaning, rinse your clothes in cold water. Rinsing with cold water saves money by heating less water.

Water loses heat as it flows through pipes, so try and place your washer close to the water heater. When the washer is located near the water heater, hot water doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the washer, and less heat is lost. Insulating the pipes between the water heater and washer can also help retain heat.

Avoid excessive clothes drying.  It is hard on fabrics and it uses more energy than is needed.  When purchasing a dryer, get one with an electronic sensor that shuts off the dryer when clothes are dry.

Cleaning the lint filter after each load of laundry helps keep the dryer running efficiently. Every once in a while, check the air vent and hose for clogging. Keeping the air vent and hose free of lint prevents a fire hazard.

Do you have any energy saving tips that you would like to share?  We would love to hear them! 

Got germs?

Here are three natural ingredients that you can use in your home to help wipe those germs away:

Vinegar:  Vinegar can be used as a disinfectant and also a deodorizer.  Vinegar is also great at removing mildew stains.  If you are not too keen on the smell of vinegar, add some lemon juice to neutralize the odor.  For a homemade fabric softener, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to your laundry's rinse cycle.  For an all-purpose cleaner, mix equal parts of vinegar and water together in a spray bottle and spray.

Lemon:  Antibacterial, antiseptic, and acidic.....lemons are perfect for cleaning surfaces that are contaminated.  The smell of lemons are so refreshing they can be used as natural air fresheners!  To get rid of odors in smelly clothing, add freshly squeezed lemon juice to your laundry's wash cycle.  To scrub your cutting board, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle with salt.  Sprinkle a half cut lemon with baking soda and scrub tough dirt on surfaces.

Baking Soda:  Use baking soda to scrub surfaces without scratching them.  For an all-purpose cleaner, mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 parts water, and 1 part baking soda together.  Mix in a spray bottle and spray.  Baking soda also neutralizes odors and unclog drains.

I love when my wood furniture looks all polished and clean but I don't like spending so much money on furniture polish.

Here is a recipe that I use to clean all my wood furniture.  It works very well and is not expensive to make.

All you need is 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and   1/2 Tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice (both work well). The lemon juice and the vinegar both work the same by pulling out the dirt from the wood.

Combine both ingredients together in a container with a lid.  Shake to mix.  Using a microfiber cloth, dab a small amount of the polish on the cloth and wipe your wood furniture.  Be careful not to use too much polish because it will make your furniture look greasy until it is absorbed.

My furniture always looks beautiful after using this homemade polish.

Do you make your own natural homemade furniture polish too?  Share your recipe with us!

As children and adults head back into fall school and work schedules, keeping a healthy home and family can become more challenging.

According to the U.S. department of Labor's Bureau and Statistics, the two primary reasons for work absences are a worker’s own illness or that of a family member.

According to a study by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, one-third of parents of young children surveyed are also concerned about losing jobs or losing pay to take off work to care for their sick children.

Here are some tips to help you combat back to school germs and the seasonal illnesses that come with them:

Prepare lunch on disinfected surfaces

Cracks and crevices in your cutting board or even your counter can harbor more bacteria than the average toilet seat. Use separate cutting boards for different foods and disinfect them regularly.

Avoid multi-tasking while cooking

Doing the laundry while getting the kids lunches ready can transfer dirt (and worse) from your clothes into the lunchbox if hand washing between tasks is overlooked.

Clean backpacks and lunchboxes

Clean out backpacks regularly and wash them at least once a week. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of lunchboxes daily before putting away or repacking. Pack lunches and snacks in sealed containers instead of loose in backpacks.

Boycott germs

Provide your child with a reusable water bottle to take to school and some sanitary wipes to wipe the lunch tray, lunch table, or other surfaces. According to a study of germs in schools, water fountains and plastic cafeteria trays are germ hot spots.

Don't Share

School is one of the worst places to share food, drinks, ear buds, or sports equipment. In the classroom, there may be books and other items that they will have to share, but remind them to wash their hands after such activities.

Hang up backpacks, purses, and jackets in the restroom

Avoid setting down any personal items on bathroom floors. This is a good rule for anyone of any age.

Wash your hands

All ages. All places. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly before eating anything. Don't forget to wash good between fingers and around fingernails.

Philip Tierno, PhD, author of The Secret Life of Germs, says that in one study of middle and high school students, only about half washed their hands after using the bathroom and only 33 percent of the girls and 8 percent of the boys used soap. He also cites other studies that show that "people who wash hands seven times a day have about 40 percent fewer colds than the average person."

To see the full-sized infographic above, click here.

What are your thoughts about germs in schools? Share your ideas and germ-free recipes with us!

And they're off!  The new school season has begun!  As I stand on my front porch blowing kisses and waving to my children as they get on the bus, I can't help but think about all the germ-filled classrooms, just waiting for clean, healthy kids to enter them.

"Think positive," I say to myself.  Let's hope my children can make it through the fall and winter seasons without getting sick.

Maybe a quick review in staying as germ-free as possible might be in order after school today.

We all know by now that frequent hand washing is one of the first lines of defense against colds, flu, and germs.  But hand washing must be done correctly in order to be effective.

1. Teach children to wash their hands throughout the day, especially during school.  Using warm water and soap lather up your hands for about 20 seconds, then rinse.  Use a paper towel to dry hands AND to turn off the faucet.
2. Many children pick up cold and flu germs during lunch.  Do not share drinks.  Bring your own water bottle to school.  If sharing a snack, use a utensil or napkin to transfer snacks from one plate to another.  When eating a sandwich, wrap a napkin around half of your sandwich while eating it.  Avoid picking up any food directly with your hands. Wash your hands before and after lunch.
3. Keep hands away from your nose and mouth.  As funny as it sounds, many kids walk around chewing on their necklaces, sweatshirt sleeves or the ties to the hood on their sweatshirts.  In class, many kids rest their faces in their hands or lay their heads on their desks, which allows germs to reach their nose and mouth.
4. Cold and flu germs are easily passed from person to person and from surface to surface.  Children can pick up germs from passing papers, and sharing scissors, glue sticks, pencil and pens.  Germs are found on water fountains, cafeteria trays, computer keyboards, doorknobs, gym equipment, locker room benches, locks, pencil sharpeners, and desks.  Have your child keep homemade wipes and antibacterial gel at their desks and in their lockers and backpacks.
5. On the bus ride home avoid using your friend's phone, and keep your backpacks and bags off the bus floor.
6. When the kids arrive home, be sure to have a designated area for school shoes and backpacks that is not too close to the kitchen counters or the kitchen table.
7. Getting plenty of sleep, drinking enough water, exercising daily, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help keep your child’s immune system strong and energy level high.

To make your own antibacterial gel, mix together 2 parts aloe gel, 1 part distilled water, 1 part grain alcohol, and 5 drops of tea tree and lavender oil in a bowl.  Pour into the container of your choice (plastic squeeze bottle, mini spray bottle, etc.).  For a thicker recipe, use less water.

To make your own homemade wipe, cut a roll of Bounty paper towels in half.  Accordion-fold the wipes and place them in a plastic Ziploc container.  In a bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups distilled water, 1 tablespoon Castille soap, 1 tablespoon witch hazel extract, 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel, 10 drops grapefruit seed extract, 10 drops of lavender, lemon, or orange essential oils.  Pour solution over paper towels and let absorb.

Got any tips on staying germ-free this fall season?  Share them with us!