We’d all like to believe that we live in hygienic environments, free from masses of potentially harmful germs. But one look at statistics tells you otherwise. Food poisoning alone, for instance, results in more than a million hospitalizations a year. 

Fortunately, there are several ways you can fight back and upgrade your property, making it less hospitable to dangerous microbes and friendlier to your family. 

Drinking-Water Filter

While drinking water is safe in most regions, it can contain contaminants. The problem isn’t so much bacteria – although this can sometimes be an issue. The main concern is heavy metals. 

Installing a whole-house drinking-water filter, however, can eliminate these problems. It uses a series of filters that remove any impurities or contaminants before they even reach the faucet. The only thing you have to do is change the filter cartridge – usually a job you do once per year. 

Replace Your Carpets

Carpets are one of the primary causes of poor home hygiene. The reason for this comes down to their propensity to capture dirt. Whenever you walk into your rooms from the outside, you bring particles in with you on your shoes’ soles. These then become loose and break off, falling into the layers of carpet fibers below. Vacuuming removes some of the residues, but not all, allowing it to build up. 

If hygiene is your primary concern – which, these days, it should be – then replacing your carpet with another flooring option should be at the top of your list of priorities. 

If you’re looking for something affordable, go with laminate flooring. Those with bigger budgets might want to choose hardwood floors, tiles, or even marble. 

In general, the harder the floor, the easier it is to clean and disinfect. It is much easier to wash laminate than carpet. 

Toss Cracked Chopping Boards

Chopping boards should be crack-free throughout their life. The moment they get a crack, bacteria and mold can start growing, potentially contaminating your food when you next cook. 

These days, you no longer have to use wooden chopping boards. Stone, marble, glass, and plastic alternatives all exist. And they’re much more hygienic. 

Buy A Central Vacuum System

Yes – you read that right. It does say central vacuum system.

The concept might sound a little odd, but it is a must-have for anyone who has many carpets in their home and wants to keep them spotless. 

The system works by connecting a large, powerful central vacuum to a series of tubes that then open into your house’s various rooms. You just fit an attachment and then turn the system on to get extreme sucking power – enough to dislodge even the most ingrained dirt. Well, that’s the theory, at least. 

Get Washable Curtains

Just like the rest of your upholstery, your curtains have a habit of accumulating dirt and grime over time. Fortunately, you can get washable varieties that you can place in the wash with the rest of your laundry. It removes allergens, too – great when you’re living with allergies.