DIY Network

Natural Cleaning Supplies From "Healthy Household Workshop" episode DHHW-105

	Keep Fido outdoors for bathing and brushing ... and keep allergens down.
	Change filters frequently to keep your filtration systems working at peak levels.

Here are some tips from the American Lung Association for keeping your home clean and healthy -- naturally.

• Pets - Saliva produced when animals groom and then shed is usually what causes a reaction in humans. Brush and bathe animals outside to prevent contaminants from lingering in the home. For those with asthma, it's important to keep pets away from furniture and carpeted areas -- and most importantly, out of the bedroom.

• Use white vinegar - A simple cup of white vinegar into a gallon of water creates a very effective cleaner. Absorb odors with a box of baking soda.

• Dry cleaning - Dry cleaning comes back encased in plastic with lingering chemicals on the clothing. Bring dry cleaned clothes home, remove the plastic and hang in a garage or patio for a few hours to allow the chemicals and gases to escape.

• Good ventilation and filtration are essential for keeping allergens out of the air, controlling humidity and recirculating fresh air throughout.

advertisement

RESOURCES :

Health House Consumer Information
American Lung Association
Web site: www.healthhouse.org