Green and clean: Eco-friendly tips for a healthier home

(BPT) - With social distancing, remote work and digital learning the new reality, there's no question that time spent at home has significantly increased. Keeping spaces clean and healthy is a top priority particularly as we head into winter months. Creating a healthy home is easier than you think — consider these five simple steps.

Step 1: Change air filters regularly

Your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system typically includes an air filter that pulls dust, contaminants and microscopic allergens out of the air. If you can't remember the last time you changed the air filter, it's time to add it to your list. These filters should be replaced at least once a season to help maintain a healthier home. During seasons that your system is more in use, such as daily heating during cold months, you may want to change it out more often.

Step 2: Use products with better ingredients

Some cleaners contain harsh chemical ingredients that can do more harm than good. Look for products that effectively clean with naturally occurring ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. For example, Bona PowerPlus Antibacterial Surface Cleaner kills 99.9% of household germs like influenza A, rhinovirus and E. coli through the power of hydrogen peroxide. This ready to use, streak-free formula cuts grease and grime on sealed non-porous hard surfaces like granite, stone, ceramic tile, stainless steel, glass and more.

Step 3: Kick off your shoes

Wearing shoes inside the home can track in unwanted dirt and germs. Place a shoe mat or basket at often-used entryways to keep organized and to encourage visitors to remove their shoes. Additionally, a door mat both inside and outside of the doorway can keep mud, snow and chemicals like salt melt off floors. As an added touch, snag some comfy house slippers so visitors have no excuse to go shoeless.

Step 4: Refresh and remodel with green materials

With extra time at home, more people are tackling home improvement projects. Whether you are refreshing a space or embarking on a major remodel, look for eco-friendly options such as paint, flooring and other materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which will ensure healthier air quality. Consider renovating rather than replacing cabinets, floors or furniture. These areas of the home can easily be freshened up with a stain or finish and it prevents these materials from ending up in landfill.

Step 5: Add plants

Greenery not only improves the appearance of a house, but the right plants can also help clean the air. The NASA Clean Air Study tested plants' ability to remove indoor air pollutants. Peace lily, lady palm and snake plant (also called mother-in-law's tongue) are a few indoor plants that had a positive impact on indoor air quality. Place these in high use spaces, such as the living room and bedroom, to add to the health and aesthetic of the space.

These five steps will help you revamp your home's health quotient so everyone can breathe easier.

Bona PowerPlus Antibacterial Surface Cleaner kills 99.9% of Influenza A H1N1 Virus, Rhinovirus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], and Trichophyton mentagrophytes on hard, non-porous surfaces in 10 minutes.