Here in Arizona, restaurants are closed. Most stores are closed. Construction is still happening but we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Like many, I am working from home. As the CDC sends us updates on how to stop the spread of the coronavirus, I realized their recommendations are very much in line with my philosophy on WELL Designed™ Homes. I took a sigh of relief, knowing my clients are safe.
Here are 6 ways you can follow the CDC and increase wellness and comfort in your home:
1. Allow fresh air to flow through. Open your doors and windows for ventilation; indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. Winter is the flu and cold season because we tend to spend most of our time in closed spaces where viruses can grow and spread.
2. Welcome the sunlight. Open your blinds and curtains. Studies suggest UV light kills germs. While sunlight is heavily filtered through the glass, the natural rays will heighten your well-being.
3. Clean surfaces with solutions that are over 60% alcohol. Another good antimicrobial disinfectant is melaleuca/tea tree oil. A lot of the products you buy are already watered down. Mix just a teaspoon of the oil with one cup of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle. For an even more readily available option, simply put vinegar in a spray bottle to both clean and deodorize your most-used spaces.
4. Change your HVAC filters. The CDC emphasizes the importance of proper HVAC ventilation practices. Now would be a good time to replace them if they’ve not been changed within the past 30 days. Change them more frequently to ensure proper air quality.
5. Maintain relative humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent. Viruses thrive in high humidity and dry environments. So in a dry climate like Phoenix, you may want to get a humidifier. If you live in a humid location such as the Southeast, I recommend a dehumidifier. To control humidity in your bathroom, run the fan longer than usual. This will draw out steam.
6. If someone in your home does get sick, use a separate bathroom. If there is only one bathroom, wear gloves to disinfect it after each use. Metal surfaces seem to allow the virus to live longer, so be sure to regularly clean the flip lever on the toilet, faucets, and doorknobs. Equip yourself with the knowledge you need to live well, and then we can all do our best to be protected, keep calm, and carry on.
Worried about how to stop the spread of the coronavirus? Give Tanya a call at 480-275-2968 to schedule a phone or video consultation. Discover how she can help you create wellness in your home here.