2012 DISTRICT LESSON

SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHY

HOUSING

KEEP IT CLEAN

CECP CORE COMPETENCIES: HOUSING & ENVIRONMENTCooperative Extension Curriculum Project:“The initial focus is curriculum for professional development competencies. The intent of the project is to increase the breadth and quality of training while using human and financial resources more efficiently.”

These are just some essential concepts that apply to Keep it CLEAN.• Housing maintenance and care• Household cleaning• Indoor air quality: General

http://srpln.msstate.edu/cecp/resources/core_fcs.htm

SEVEN STEPS TO A HEALTHY HOME1. Keep it Dry2. Keep it Clean 3. Keep it Safe 4. Keep it Well-Ventilated 5. Keep it Pest-free 6. Keep it Contaminant-free 7. Keep it Well-Maintained

WHY DO WE CARE?Keeping a clean home can reduce allergens and irritants, help prevent injury, and make you happy!

…”keeping a clean and organized home reflects an overall ability to and desire to maintain a sense of order in a wide range of life activities”

Dunifon, R., Duncan, G.J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. 2001. As Ye Sweep, So Shall Ye Reap. The American Economic Review,

91(1), 150-154.

KEEP IT CLEANControl the source of dust and contaminants • For example, do we really

need this many cleaners?• Reduce chemical use with

green cleaning techniques.

Dust Reduction: What types of things are in dust?• Agricultural products and

pesticides• Pollen• Lead dust• Cigarette ash• Dust mites and insect

fragments• Dead skin cells• Volatile organic compounds• Etc.

KEEP IT CLEAN: Control the source of dust and contaminants

• Reduce dust brought inside

• Take your shoes off when entering the home

• Invest in good equipment– Doormats for all

exterior doors– Grate in front of door– Shoe should hit the

mat four times (10-12 feet)

KEEP IT CLEAN: Control the source of dust and contaminants

KEEP IT CLEAN

create smoothand cleanable surfaces

REDUCING CLUTTER

It’s pretty easy to see the clutter in this picture...

• Now, think of your home environment …

• Can you see your own clutter?

• It may be helpful to have a friend help you evaluate your clutter. A fresh set of eyes can see things differently.

REDUCING CLUTTER

USE EFFECTIVE WET-CLEANING METHODS• Capture the dirt

– Consider moving from sweeping with a broom to damp mopping floors

– Instead of dusting with a dry cloth, use a damp cloth

• Invest in good equipment– Microfiber mops and cleaning cloths– Mop bucket – two chamber

KEEP IT CLEAN: FOCUS ON GREENWASHING

Buyers beware!• How can I choose a green product?

• EPA allows safer products to carry the Design for the Environment (DfE) label. This mark enables consumers to quickly identify and choose products that can help protect the environment and are safer for families.

• The private sector also has “green assurance” programs via third-party certification. The Green Seal is the most widely used. This is an independent non-profit organization that certifies products using credible, science-based and transparent standards.

ACTIVITY: MAKE GREEN CLEANERNO-STREAK GLASS CLEANER • ¼ cup white vinegar• 1 tbsp. cornstarch• 1 quart warm water • Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour

into spray bottle and spray on. For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine.

Recipe taken from the University of GeorgiaGreen Cleaning curriculum

THANK YOU!Keep it Clean