We like to think of our home as a safe and serene sanctuary where we can shut off, escape stress, and chill out. In an ideal world, all our homes would fit this bill, but what about if you’re living on a building site, or your home is harbouring hidden dangers? Sometimes, the way we live can affect our health. If you’re worried that your habits at home may be harming your health, this guide should come in handy.
DIY dangers
Are you one of those people who likes to pull their sleeves up and get their hands dirty when a DIY job comes calling? Whether you’re part way through a renovation project or you’re coming to the rescue when a shelf is loose or a wall needs painting, it’s always wise to be prepared, and to work out which jobs are suitable for amateurs. Although doing work yourself can save a lot of money, it can also put you at risk of injury or illness, and if you get it wrong, mistakes can be very costly.
Botched DIY jobs are a common problem in the UK. The majority of us have been in a situation where we’ve attempted to fix something and then given up halfway through or done a less than perfect job. How many of us have got doors that are hanging off or cupboards that haven’t been put together properly? If you did a survey, you’d probably be presented with a pretty high figure. In fact, a survey of tradesmen revealed that more than 60 percent had been called in to try and rectify DIY disasters.
Before you attempt any DIY job, make sure you’re aware of what’s involved, and assess the situation carefully. Are you capable of doing the job yourself? Have you got the tools and equipment required? Is it safe? You probably won’t encounter any dangers if you’re giving a wall a lick of paint, but think very carefully before you try and stop a leak, or attempt anything that involves wires or scaling heights.
Assembling flat pack furniture is a task most of us have given a go, probably with varying levels of success. This is one of the most trying aspects of moving house and redecorating, especially if you’re trying to assemble furniture using a series of different screws, fastenings, and parts. Even the most seasoned DIYer can come unstuck when there are pages of instructions to follow and elaborate drawings to decipher. If you are buying furniture, it’s worth paying a little more for good quality. When you’re putting furniture together, use suitable adhesives like those provided by Henkel’s distributor, and follow the instructions carefully. It’s incredibly important to secure pieces of furniture properly, as they can cause serious injury if they come apart or collapse. Once you’ve built units, cabinets, beds or wardrobes, ensure they are positioned in safe places. This is particularly important if you have children. If they pull at chests, for example, you don’t want the unit to topple over. If it’s free-standing, you could consider securing it to the wall.
Spring cleaning
Spring is here, and traditionally, this is the time of year when we have a good clear out, clean the house from top to bottom, and start the new season with a pristine, clutter-free house. While some of us embrace the arrival of spring, a recent survey suggested that two-thirds of people aren’t willing to celebrate the annual tradition of spring cleaning. While going a week without tidying won’t harm you, there are various health problems that may be associated with a lack of cleaning over a period of time.
If you avoid cleaning for weeks, or even months, dust is likely to become an issue, especially if you have allergies or you suffer from respiratory illnesses, such as asthma. Even if you don’t want to go crazy and tackle every inch of your home with a brush, mop, and vacuum cleaner, it’s beneficial to keep your home clean. If you have animals or you live by a road, dust can gather very quickly, so try and vacuum at least once a week. If dust does accumulate it can make breathing more difficult, and it may exacerbate symptoms of underlying illnesses.
Avoiding regular cleaning can also contribute to health problems linked to the presence of bacteria and mould. Mould is often found in damp places, such as bathrooms, and it can expose you to breathing difficulties. Dirt can also attract pests, such as mice and rats, which carry harmful bacteria.
As well as physical health issues, living in a messy, dirty house can also affect your mental wellbeing. Studies show that being surrounded by clutter can make it difficult to focus and concentrate, and it can also increase the risk of stress and depression. We tend to be more productive at work when our desks are organised, and we know where everything is, and we can apply the same rules to our homes.
When you think about home, what kinds of images pop up in your head? Do you imagine yourself relaxing on the sofa with a cup of tea or catching up with the kids over dinner at the kitchen table? Or are you greeted with unwelcome images of doors hanging off hinges, chests full of broken drawers or trailing wires all over the place? You may not think it, but your home has a lot to do with your health. The way you live can affect both your mental and physical wellbeing. If you’re one of those people who tends to give up on DIY part way through and never gets around to finishing off odd jobs, there may be serious consequences. If you are doing DIY at home, make sure you have the right equipment, and always follow the instructions. Don’t attempt jobs that should be reserved for those with skills and training. Keep your home clean and tidy. Most of us don’t love mopping floors and carrying the hoover around, but a tidy home makes for a tidy mind, and it can also reduce the risk of allergies and breathing problems.
