A Simple Home Cleanup That Wipes Out Hidden Toxins

Here are five effective strategies for detoxing your home for optimal health and well-being:

Researchers out of the University of Arizona found up to 66 million organisms of bacteria responsible for stomach, eye, and lung infections on participants' shoes. More than 90 percent of the time, these were transferred onto the carpets and tiles in their homes.

Dishcloths can quickly collect harmful E. coli bacteria, so be sure to wash them thoroughly after each use and regularly deep clean them in the washing machine at 60 degrees. You should be replacing the cloths after a month or so to ensure that you're not accidentally spreading their lingering germs. A neat trick for keeping sponges clean is to dampen them and place them in the microwave for one to two minutes every day.

In order to keep your touchables touchable, regularly use disinfectant wipes that are specifically designed for screens, keyboards, or remotes. While you're at it, wipe down the other less obvious surfaces that the whole family touches. Think: light switches, plug socket switches, door handles, and taps.

Crank open your windows for at least a short time each day and dot your home with detoxing houseplants to ensure high-quality indoor air. Research shows that rooms with plants have 50 to 60 percent less airborne mold spores and bacteria compared to those without.

In order to ensure your fridge is clean, take the time to regularly remove and cleanse all fruit and vegetable drawers using a clean cloth and mild detergent (you can even make one yourself!). Do the same for any compartments or shelves that hold raw meat, and always make sure this meat is stored below the fresh produce to avoid any raw-meat juice dripping down.