Robin Wilson

Sick Homes: Hidden Home Hazards & Great Cleaning Products

Robin Wilson Home uncovers some hidden areas that could be making your home a "sick home" and causing all those uncomfortable allergy and frequent colds or other recurring illnesses that plague you or your children. And you might want to consider using hypo-allergenic and non-toxic cleaning products such as The Method (see left) available online and at retail stores.

Dishwashers: most people don't know that they should run their dishwashers at least once a week, or clean the trap to prevent mold growth. For example, some of the 'drawer' dishwasher models leave a small amount of water after a cycle in the tub. If you do not empty this out using an absorbent towel, and you leave for vacation, you will have a perfect environment for mold growth. Remember to check your manual to see if you should periodically clean the trap in your dishwasher.We suggest that you run an empty cycle and add 2 cups of vinegar (do not use bleach!) once a quarter. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Furnace/AC Filters: you should change your air or furnace filters to prevent dust from circulated in your home, especially for those with asthmatic and allergic conditions. This also will increase the efficiency of your furnace. We suggest that you change your air or furnace filters monthly.

Front Load Washers: run a cup of bleach through your washer and leave the door open between usage so that the moisture cannot create a mold-environment. We suggest that you do this bleach procedure once a quarter.

Mops: the bacterial environment on a mop is just like a sponge in your sink. We suggest that every six months, you should replace a fabric mop and every quarter, you should replace a sponge mop.

Sinks & Countertops: A lot of people don't realize how much bacteria they spread by using the same sponges without washing. Be careful not to spread germs from a sponge onto your countertops and onto the set of dishes you are trying to clean. We suggest that change sponges monthly and you have a different sponge for every room in your house - and every time you wash dishes, you might want to throw your sponge into the dishwasher.

Vacuums: If you vacuum regularly, you may not realize that you are picking up dust mites and other microscopic organisms. We suggest that you change your filter bags monthly.

Bed Linens: Make sure to change them weekly (at least!) as you may not realize how much dirt and pollens 'live in your bed'. And we also recommend that you get a new pillow annually. We recommend that you completely strip your bed, including duvet covers and mattress covers at least 2x a year and wash in hot water with bleach.

Product of Day: FLOR Modular Carpet Tiles

We recommend FLOR inspired modular floorcovering for our clients, which is a 'green' product. FLOR is a modular carpet tile that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to design your own easy area rug for the kitchen, nursery or living room. No glue is needed for installation, so your existing floors won't be ruined. Instead, dots with the sticky side up connect each 19.7" x 19.7" carpet tile together.

FLOR is a quick do-it-yourself project that can be installed over any level, dry surface — even vinyl. This is a great product for heavy-traffic rooms and spaces for family rooms. These carpet tiles can be laid parquet style with ribbing in different directions and can enhance the upscale feel of any space. Pricing is from $6.99 to $59.00 per tile.

Explore the options the FLOR website.

Diet Tip Of Day: 4 Foods to help Weight Loss

Simple diet additions can change your waist - and help you lose weight!

• Apples: Eating an apple–or two–a day can keep the doctor away and the extra pounds.  Studies have found that eating an apple a half hour to an hour before a meal cuts the calories of the meal. Another benefit from this fruit is you feel full, so you eat less.
• Protein: Dietary studies have repeatedly found that when people eat an egg every morning in addition to (or instead of) toast or cereal, they lose twice as much weight as those who eat a breakfast that’s dominated by carbs.
• Cinnamon: This spice can help your body metabolize sugar, according to USDA study involving diabetics. Eating as little as 1/4 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon a day was found to reduce blood sugar levels and cut cholesterol from 10 to 25 percent. You can add cinnamon to smoothies or flavor your coffee with it.