News Taffy

The nasty weather may be depressing and keeping you indoors more lately but there is a silver lining. You can use this time to thoroughly clean and organize your home. While that may not sound like much fun at all, there is a big bonus in doing so. A clean home is good for your health! Marie Kondo’s book and Netflix show have become popular for a reason - there really is life changing magic in tidying up.

Here are some of the many reasons a dirty house may be making you sick and why you will be healthier when your home is clean. 1. Dust, mold and other allergens in your home may be making you sick as indoor air may be more polluted than outdoor air. Those with breathing conditions like asthma are especially vulnerable. 2. Vermin like roaches, rodents, spiders and other insects love to hide in papers, boxes and cluttered areas. They may contaminate your food and carry diseases. 3. Living in a disorganized, dirty home is actually very stressful and makes it harder for you to relax and get the rest you need when evidence of the work you should be doing is everywhere. 4. A house filled with junk is a fire and safety hazard as hallways, stairs and doors may be blocked. 5. Living in a home that isn’t cleaned regularly can increase the spread of germs and viruses. Germs aren’t always where you expect. For example, your bathtub which hasn’t been cleaned in weeks may harbor staph while your trashcan, which you empty frequently, has none.

The why we should clean is easy, the how much harder. Deep cleaning and organizing your home is a daunting task but breaking it down into manageable chunks will help. Set a reasonable time table to accomplish the task as it may take several days before you are through. Marie Kondo’s book may provide inspiration, especially her idea of getting rid of things that no longer bring you joy. There are many other books and magazines plus online videos on the topic to help you get started. Enlist the help of everyone who lives with you; even children can help to some degree.

The benefits of a clean home are immediate. The sense of accomplishment is a big boost to your personal satisfaction, happiness and self esteem. Your family should have less problems with allergies, upper respiratory problems and other viruses once your home has been carefully dusted, vacuumed and surfaces wiped down with disinfectant. Having a well organized, clutter free home is not only visually appealing but it is calming and restful. You won’t waste time looking for things because they will be in their proper place. You’ll spend less time keeping your home clean once the floor and counter space is clear. Going forward, establish a regular cleaning schedule and be sure to put things away on a daily basis to keep from sliding back into old habits. That way things don’t get out of hand, making clean up more of a chore than it should be. A last bonus - people who have cleaner homes are usually more physically fit so grab the mop and pass out some dust rags.