When it comes to dining out or the grocery stores we shop at, we’re all so concerned about the cleanliness of the environment. Even the slightest sign of dirt or infestation has many of us running for the hills. But what about the conditions of our own homes? Would they be up to an inspector’s standards if it came down to it?

If you aren’t already doing these simple tasks to make your home a healthier place to live, start incorporating them into your routine.

Rid your home of toxic cleaning products.

One of the best things you can do for your health is eliminating cleaning products that are full of harmful chemicals. Yes, they may kill bacteria, but they can also leave behind dangerous toxins and fumes. There are plenty of green cleaning product companies to choose from, or you could also make your own.

Clean areas you often forget about.

You might vacuum once a week (or once a month), wipe down countertops, and sweep the floors, but how often do you clean your light switches, washing machine and dryer, and ceiling fans? These are all areas that we don’t necessarily think about, but that can trap a lot of bacteria (we mean A LOT).

Keep some plants (or living things) around.

The feeling you get when you step outside into the wilderness for some fresh air—yeah, you can’t replicate that completely from the indoors, but buying some house plants can work wonders at making your home a more breathable space. Studies show that some house plants help purify the air, and generally just make us feel healthier (a win win!).

Keep critters at bay naturally.

When bugs and rodents come around, we can jump to conclusions that it mustbe our fault for leaving crumbs around or not plugging up cracks in the walls. While these reasons could be a contributing factor, it’s not necessary to run out and get the strongest anti-pest spray on the market. There are plenty of other ways you can reduce the risk of unwanted guests finding their way in, like removing any standing water from around your property, and spraying with vinegar.

Even the biggest clean freaks can benefit from a reminder now and again to tidy up in ways we don’t often remember. These tips can help you make sure your home is healthy, and that you’re healthier in return.

For more cleaning tips, visit americanlifestylemag.com/home.