Change More Than Clocks for Daylight Savings Time
This Sunday, November 7 is Daylight Savings Time, a perfect opportunity for parents to rewind clocks and also check if other household items need to be updated, upgraded, or changed.
Filtrete Vacuum Accessories, which produces micro allergen bags and filters, wants to help budget-conscious moms save money and time by reminding them to check the following:
Vacuum Accessories – Typically, a vacuum bag should be changed at least once a month. Filters should be replaced every six months. Replacing these parts regularly increases the vacuum’s suction power and cleaning performance.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Smoke alarms expire after about 10 years or 87,000 hours of service. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends replacing batteries in both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms twice a year and checking alarms monthly using the “test” function. “When properly maintained, a CO alarm has a life of approximately five years, after which time it should be replaced with a new unit,” says Deborah Hanson from First Alert.
Furnace Filters – If you are looking for a filter that can clean the air by removing microscopic particles, look for an electrostatically charged disposable filter. The filter should be replaced every 60-90 days.
Kitchen Sponges – WebMD cites that kitchen sponges are the number one source of germs in the house. Moist micro-crevices make great homes for germs, so replace kitchen sponges once a week or at least twice a month.
Toothbrushes – The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months or sooner if bristles begin to fray. Toothbrushes can hold microorganisms that can cause oral and systemic infections.
Miscellaneous – Replace pillows, medication, makeup, hair brushes, and sunscreen on a regular basis. Check product packaging for expiration dates and replacement guidelines.
Check out other resources from Parents.com to keep a healthy and safe household:
- Room-by-Room Guide to Germ-Free Living
- Keep an Environmentally Safe Home
- More Information on Keeping a Healthy Household
Don’t forget to change the clocks and make a clean sweep of your home!
Categories: GoodyBlog, Health & Safety, Solutions | Tags: daylight savings time, health, Health & Safety, Healthy Home, safety
by Kelly Liston
On November 7, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Did anyone else have the problem of their baby not “falling back” for the time change? It just meant that he got up an hour earlier (his usual time) and was super cranky and tired all morning. Love it!