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In addition to taking care of your family and yourself, it’s important to take extra care of your home. As the new year gets underway, you should take the time to pause, relax and recharge at home, if only for a few minutes, each day.

Luckily, there are a number of simple, yet impactful ways to keep the entire household in good health. Here are seven examples.

1. Pencil in cleaning

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Routine household cleaning keeps clutter and germs at bay. Corral loose items into decorative bins and baskets, then clean common high-touch areas such as faucets, door knobs and light switches to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria. Be sure to dust regularly. If you have any sensitivity to cleaning products, try a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar to clean everything from windows to appliances.

2. The power of a shower

Installing a new showerhead can go a long way in improving your frame-of-mind. The Twist handheld shower from Moen has four unique settings, from “Immerse” and “Drench” to “Soothe,” and is available with an adjustable slide bar, allowing everyone in the house to create the perfect custom showering experience. Another feature of Twist is the “Shine” setting, for cleaning the tub and shower tiles, keeping mold and germs to a minimum.

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3. For the dogs

Pets are extensions of our families and should be treated as such, even when it comes to bathing. These four-legged friends have the tendency to bring many allergens into the home. To minimize this problem, dogs should be bathed regularly and wiped down with a damp cloth when they come in from outside.

4. Sweeping surprise

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For years, we have counted on our vacuums to get rid of dust and allergens in our homes. But, it turns out that the machines we rely on to clean our floors and furniture may actually be making them dirtier. A recent study found that many vacuums actually suspend harmful allergen particles in the air, increasing our exposure to them. A vacuum with HEPA (High-Efficiency-Particulate-Air) filter will release less dirt and bacteria.

5. Door etiquette

Adding a door mat on both sides of a door and having everyone promptly remove their shoes upon entering can significantly cut back on what is being tracked inside. The Carpet and Rug Institute estimates that up to 80 percent of dirt and allergens can be caught with a washable door mat — keeping your family healthy and your floors clean.

6. Air it out

One area many homeowners might not consider when it comes to a healthier home is the mattress. After washing sheets, delay putting on clean linens to allow time for mite-friendly moisture to evaporate. Now you’ll have a clean mattress to go along with your clean sheets.

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This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.