Seven clean design tips for staying healthy at home

For so many, the desire is for a home to feel like a haven, a place where you feel warm, cozy and safe. Health is also top of mind, creating a clean and healthy environment. As you look for ways to beautify your environment, why not include ways to ensure clean design?

1. If possible, switch from carpet to hardwood, especially in key areas such as entryways. Carpeting traps odors and dust mites.

2. Consider making your own cleaners. Lemon juice and water is a fantastic cleaner, as is baking soda and vinegar.

3. In bathrooms, consider using a nylon shower curtain instead of vinyl. Nylon is not only a greener choice, but in many cases feels like fabric and is washable.

4. For kitchen and bathroom surfaces, whenever possible select materials that are nonporous. Nonporous surfaces such as quartz and porcelain are the easiest to clean and maintain.

5. Wash sponges or replace frequently. Place sponges in the dishwasher to clean, or replace them. This will help reduce the spread of germs.

6. Deep clean. Deep cleaning on a regular and consistent basis will help maintain a healthy environment.

7. Open the windows. There are so many benefits for allowing fresh, clean air to help ventilate your home from time to time. Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs. com or visit her website at www. cathyhobbs.com.