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As the months get cooler our home should be our sanctuary from the harsh weather outside. We talked to some experts and got their top seven tips on how to keep your home warm and cosy this autumn and winter.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
The first step to keep your home warm and reduce heating bills is to stop warmth from escaping, according to Weiyue Ma, home furnishings buyer at Bunnings.
“Swap summery blinds or sheers for thick, insulating blockout curtains,” she suggests. Other steps to winter-proof your home could include sealing gaps around doors and windows, topping up roof and wall insulation and closing off rooms when not in use.
Dial up the snuggle factor and make your home more inviting with sumptuous textures in your living spaces, says Weiyue. Look for cushions and throws in tactile materials like wool, faux fur and velvet for on the sofa and textured rugs underfoot. Or consider a flame-effect heater to create a toasty focal point that everyone will love gathering around.
The downside of a well-sealed winter home is that allergens, dust and pollutants cannot escape, and might trigger respiratory issues. Protect your family’s health by investing in a quality air purifier that removes dust, pollutants and allergens from the air. Check the unit is the correct size for the rooms in which it will be used and look for one with a ‘true’ HEPA filter, which filters 99.97 per cent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 of a micron.
A regular, effective cleaning routine can help to keep dust and airborne irritants at bay, says healthy home building consultant Zara D’Cotta*.
“Start by wiping high surfaces, such as ceiling fans and shelves, with a damp microfibre cloth to capture dust – not spread it – then work your way down to lower areas,” she says. “Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a motorised head to capture fine particles that standard vacuums may miss or recirculate into the air.”
Use an exhaust fan or open a window during and after showering, and wipe down bathroom surfaces to help stop condensation and mould build-up. “Installing a humidistat can be helpful too, as it automatically activates the fan when humidity levels rise,” says Zara. “Open the laundry window or door when drying clothes or choose a condenser dryer, and turn on the exhaust fan when cooking, ensuring it is vented to the outside of the home rather than the roof space.”
Transform your bedroom into a healthy winter retreat. First, declutter then deep-clean, suggests Zara. “To minimise exposure to harmful chemicals, look for non-toxic textiles made with natural fibres for rugs, bedding and curtains,” she says. If buying a new mattress or topper, choose one in a natural material such as cotton, and raise the bed (at least 40cm above the floor) so the mattress can breathe. If redecorating, use paints free of, or low in, volatile organic compounds (VOCS), and open windows daily for a burst of fresh air.
Save money and help boost the health of your home by making your own D.I.Y. cleaning products. For a cleaner and mould treatment, cleaning expert Leanne Neiland suggests mixing 10 drops of clove oil – which has antifungal properties – with one cup of boiled and cooled water and three drops of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. “Apply to the surface, leave for five minutes then wipe with a damp microfibre cloth,” she says.
Keep all cleaning products and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
Control mould year-round with these easy fixes around the home.
Photo credit: Martina Gemmola.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
