The pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Cleaning Lab understand the importance — and challenges — of finding the right cleaning products to tackle household chores. For decades, we have provided advice and product testing recommendations to help you select the cleaning formulas and appliances that work best, are easiest to use and save you time [...]
As indoor public spaces like schools, offices and restaurants open across the country, many are adding air purifiers to rooms, especially as concerns over Covid variants spark changing CDC masking guidelines and vaccination requirements. Companies like Dyson are even selling air purifier models specifically designed for businesses. And if you already experience irritation from dust or allergens or have [...]
The purpose of a dehumidifier is to remove excess humidity from the air, keeping your room dry and helping prevent mold and mildew growth. You can also use a hygrometer to directly measure humidity levels in your house. "We recommend keeping the relative humidity in your home between 30-50%. High humidity can increase ground-ozone levels, [...]
Prevent harmful wildfire smoke and pollutants from seeping into your home by sealing up air gaps, improving clean air circulation by changing furnace filters, and considering a few other easy-to-do tasks that may also cut down your energy use. Energy Trust of Oregon experts have low- and no-cost ways to maintain the comfort of your home while [...]
You wake up after a long night's sleep hoping to feel all refreshed and looking forward to a good day but the first thing you end up doing is sneezing while your nose runs. Thankfully, a handy box of tissues is right on your nightstand because this is something you're now used to. You wake [...]
Cooling the air inside your home isn't the only thing you should consider this summer. As you turn on your fans and blast your air conditioners, you'll need to keep your summer indoor air quality top of mind, says John McKeon, MD, CEO of Allergy Standards, a company that certifies home goods and appliances as allergy [...]
(BPT) - A runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat, nagging cough — as the weather changes throughout the year, different allergens can increase, making you miserable in numerous ways. Medications can help, but there are all-natural steps you can take to help you feel your best, whether indoors or outside. Check online for pollen counts [...]
There’s been a lot of talk about toxins in today’s homes, polluting the air and contaminating surfaces, which is why it comes as no surprise that the current number of allergy sufferers in the U.S. is rather high: more than 50 million, according to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). And not to freak you out [...]
Thirty-five percent of Canadian households have at least one dog. Yet one in 10 people suffers from dog-related allergies. Those numbers help explain the interest in hypoallergenic dogs—the idea that you can have a loyal furry friend that won’t trigger allergy symptoms. The key thing to remember is that hypoallergenic just means “less likely to provoke allergies”—not [...]
We often think of mattress protectors when it comes to shared mattresses (hi, college dorms) or for young children who wet the bed. But everyone should be using a mattress protector for the longevity of their mattress and their quality of sleep because, spoiler alert: Mattresses are hotbeds for common allergy and asthma triggers. Without [...]
Dust mites surround us. They thrive in places we live, work, and play and are nearly impossible to avoid—unless you live in Antarctica. These tiny creatures aren't a concern for everyone. But for the millions of people with a sensitivity to environmental allergens, like dust mites, they can make life miserable. "Dust mites are microscopic—people can't [...]
If you're spending more time indoors, you might begin noticing things about your home that you didn't notice before. Maybe it's that crack in the bathroom tile, the ash mark on the wall near your candles, or the blanket of stagnant air floating around you. John McKeon, MD, CEO of Allergy Standards, a company that certifies [...]
If you're one of the 50 million Americans living with allergies, you're probably doing everything you can to minimize your exposure and lessen your symptoms.One of the best ways to do this is by ridding your home of dirt, dust, pet hair, mold, and other indoor allergens. After all, home isn't just where the heart is—your [...]
A good pillow can only withstand so much use before the wear starts to become apparent. If you’re anything like me, and cling to your favorite pillow that cradles your head and neck just the right way, you’ll probably want to buy a pillow protector to give it an extra layer of safety and protection. We tested [...]
I’ve been familiar with pillow protectors for years because, alas, I drool. A lot. My mom didn’t want younger me to keep ruining pillows with big yellow stains, so she bought a pillow protector. Since then, I’ve been loyal to the product—after all, nothing else keeps my pillows looking spick-and-span longer than they otherwise would. [...]
If you're not among the lucky ones with central air, you either suffer through the summer months or have gotten very familiar with window air conditioners. I love my window AC and I can't imagine a summer in New York City without it. But I don't love how it looks. Whether you have the in-window [...]
Bed bug infestations are a pain in more ways than one. These pesky insects don’t just make your skin crawl; they feed on human blood. Their bites can leave itchy welts behind—on top of the mental anguish they can cause. For an affordable and simple tool for preventing bed bugs, add a bed bug mattress [...]
The levels of air pollutants are often greater indoors than outside, says the EPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which offer ways to identify air quality problems. The young, elderly and chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease, are most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution, according to the [...]
Indoor air quality is a concern for homeowners everywhere. Whether you’re primarily concerned with particulates like dust and pollen, or environmental pollutants like those that off-gas from furniture, there are a variety of solutions available to tackle the challenge. Here are some ways you can invest in healthier air for your home! Once you’ve experienced [...]
Did you know that your home could actually be hazardous to your health? According to the EPA, air pollutants are two to five times higher in concentration inside than outdoors. That includes everything from pet dander, to mold spores, to pesticides, to volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—things that can put you at risk of serious disease. [...]