While COVID-19 rages on, the safest place is home sweet home. But, believe it or not, staying at home all day could also be hazardous to your health. For example, when you’re out making runs for groceries and other necessities (or buying high end coffee makers to mimic your favorite coffee shop, and planning how to create a gourmet kitchen), it’s possible to bring those germs back into your home – where they can linger on various surfaces. But are you properly cleaning and sanitizing your home?
Also, some of your daily habits could also be unhealthy. This is not the time to “let yourself go,” and pick up bad habits, while neglecting the basic and necessary activities to contribute to good health.
We found the 31 best essentials you need to stay safe, healthy, and sane during the quarantine. And since these are stressful times, we also rounded up a few experts to talk about ways to develop and maintain good habits while you’re at home.
This is certainly a kitchen essential: when someone’s hands are filthy, they really don’t want to touch anything else. And they don’t have to with this Kohler Touchless Foam/Liquid Soap Dispenser. The no-touch operation is hygienic and convenient. I tested the unit I received and observed that by simply turning the dial, you can choose the type of soap you want to use (foam or liquid) – and there are also settings to dispense a small, medium, or heavy amount of soap.
There’s also a light feature to help your kids figure out how long to wash their hands. The light is actually a 20 second timer, so kids know to keep lathering until the light goes out. The soap dispenser uses four AAA batteries, and is available in a variety of colors.
People working from home don’t enjoy the health benefits of walking through the parking lot, running up and down the stairs, and strolling those long hallways to the break room or conference room. However, this FluidStance Plane Cloud Balance Board is one way to remain active while working from home. If you have a standing desk, you can burn calories while you balance on the board. It engages your leg and core muscles and increases your heart rate by 15%,
Even people without a standing desk can take advantage of the balance board. I received one to test, and I used it while watching TV, talking on the phone, and sometimes, I took a break just to stand on the balance board.
Even though you’re at home, your blood pressure still needs to be monitored. In fact, the ramifications of COVID-19 could be an extra stressor. The Withings BPM Connect WiFi Smart Blood Pressure Monitor measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure along with your heart rate. There’s no bulky equipment and tubes, since the slim device is attached to the cuff and color-coded readings are displayed on the device’s screen. It can also be synced to the health app. The monitor uses a rechargeable battery that lasts 6 months on one charge.
Many medical and dental services have been curtailed. So now, it’s more important than ever for people at home to keep their mouths healthy. The Waterpik Electric Toothbrush/Water Flosser allows for both brushing and flossing at the same time- and it’s pretty easy. By pushing a button, users can select sonic brushing or water flossing – or both. In addition, the handle is detachable. I received a sample which included: 2 water flossing brush heads, a 2-minute timer with 30-second pacer, 10 pressure settings, a recharge indicator, a deluxe toothbrush travel case, and a global charger.
According to Mayo Clinic, the condition of my mouth could be indicator of several types of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and endocarditis.
For people who wake up with clogged sinuses and a scratchy throat, consider this Elechomes Ultrasonic Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier. In addition to helping sufferers breath easier, it can also assist in skin moisturizing, and keeping people cooler in the summer. (In the winter, a warm mist can be selected) The large tank provides up to 40 hours of continuous use, and the unit can humidify up to 750 sq. ft. I received a unit and I liked that the unit is easy to fill, easy to clean, has digital controls on the front, and includes a remote control.
It’s tempting for both homeowners and renters to sit on the sofa, munching chips and candy all day. Although fruits and veggies are much healthier, many people don’t want to go through the hassle of preparing them. The Hurom Easy Clean Masticating Slow Juicer is a convenient way to convert fruits and vegetables to liquid form. The slow squeeze technology ensures the juice retains its taste. In addition, the control level, along with a fine and course strainer, help you regulate the amount of pulp in your juice. I received a sample to review and was grateful that I didn’t have to scrub these strainers- which can be pretty tedious. Instead, cleaning merely involves rinsing the strainers in water.
When you’re trying to stay healthy, touchless trash cans are a lifesaver. You can avoid touching your trash can (unless you’re taking out the trash) with this Kohler Black Stainless Steel Trash Can. The 13-gallon can has a durable stainless-steel pedal that provides hand-free operation. The lid easily opens and it also quietly closes. In addition, the hinge design protects your walls from scuff marks. The black, 13-gallon size is shown above, but it is also available in stainless steel, and white with stainless steel. There are also several smaller versions of the trash can, as well as a dual liner option.
Sporadic toilet paper shortages are just one reason to consider this Toto Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat. Two other reasons include the warm water spray that provides a thorough cleaning, and the adjustable water settings. The heated seat and the lid both use SoftClose technology. Another neat feature is the self-cleaning wand, which is also designed to prevent back splash. In addition, the toilet seat is both quick and easy to install.
Household air gets stale, and can also contain a variety of unhealthy substances. The Molekule Mini+ Air Purifier is great for smaller rooms (250 sq. ft.). It uses PECO technology to not only collect, but destroy allergens, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and ozone. The 360-degree air intake takes in pollutants and disperses purified air at every angle. In addition, the fan speed auto adjusts based on the sensor’s diagnosis of the room’s air quality. I received one to review and love the vegan leather handle that makes it easy to transport the Molekule Mini, so it can be placed it where it’s needed. However, if a larger air purifier is needed, the regular Molekule can clean the air in a 600 sq. ft. room.
For people who love soft drinks, it can hard to drink enough water – even when you’re at home all day. However, this DrinkMate Carbonated Water Kit can create sparkling, fizzy water, making it taste much better. But that’s not all. As someone who drinks water like it’s medicine – meaning I only drink it because I have to – I was delighted when I received my sample and learned that the DrinkMate can also carbonate juices and lemonade, in addition to flat soda, beer and other beverages. The kit includes the Drinkmate machine and a 60L CO2 cylinder. It’s available in red, white, and matte black.
Whether the floors are wood, tile, linoleum, stone, or even concrete, the Karcher FC 3 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner can handle them. It’s designed to both wipe and vacuum at the same time, which eliminates the need to pre-sweep or vacuum the floors before mopping. The machine uses forward rotating microfiber rollers that makes operating it so easy it can be used with one hand.
The cleaning head has a flexible hinge, and the machine can be placed right up against the wall, which ensures that you can clean every corner, and also under furniture and around furniture legs. It’s also perfect for cleaning stairs. I don’t like the idea of sloshing dirty water on the floor, but when testing the unit I received, I discovered that the machine uses a 2-tank system to keep the dirty water separated from the clean water, and the rollers are also machine washable. And since it’s cordless, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides 20 minutes of cleaning. When not in use, the hard floor cleaner can be stored on the included storage base, which holds it upright without damaging the wall.
Plants can improve your home’s air quality. They can clean the air, add oxygen to the air, and filter toxins out of the air. These Emeritus Gardens Clean Air Plants in Pots, are hand packed in 4 inch pots using allergy free, sterilized peat moss, and include instructions – so you don’t necessarily need a green thumb. Each set includes 4 plants: (1) Parlor or Areca Palm, (2) Golden Pothos, (3) Mother in Laws Tongue, and (4) Flowering Peace Lily or Aglaonema.
Your mental health and your personal safety are also important during these trying times. Unfortunately, sometimes desperate people do desperate things. For peace of mind, this 14-piece Kangaroo Home Smart Wireless Security and Surveillance System has everything you need to secure your home from intruders. It includes a siren and keypad with 4 Roo tags, 7 motion and entry sensors, 2 water and climate sensors, 1 yard sign, and 10 window decals. In addition to triggering your alarm when motion is detected, or doors and windows are opened or closed, the alarm system will send you phone alerts.
And, if the system detects radical temperature changes and leaks, it will notify you of these abnormalities as well. You can also choose to add a Kangaroo privacy camera to your kit, and you also have the option of self-monitoring your home or using 24/7 professional monitoring.
Clean drinking water is always essential, but purchasing water bottles can be expensive and wasteful. The PUR Advanced Faucet Water Filtration System is an economical way to purify drinking water. The water filter clicks onto the faucet and typically provides 100 gallons of filtered water (roughly 2 to 3 months) before it needs to be replaced. The water filter removes 99% of lead, and reduces 70 different contaminants, such as chlorine.
If you’re wondering what are the chances that you need to filter your water, according to the EPA, there are four types of drinking water contaminants: physical, chemical, biological, and radiological.
Staying at home, it’s possible that eating and exercise habits have changed, which could lead to body changes. The Body+ Smart Body Composition Digital Scale by Withings measures weight, but when I was given a unit to test, I found out that it also measures body fat and water percentage, muscle mass and bone mass. The stylish Bluetooth scale works with your Apple watch, and also Apple Health, Google Fit, FitBit, and several other fitness apps. It’s available in black, and also in white.
Keeping your floors clean can play a major role in the quality of your health. This Roborock S5 Vacuum and Mop is a robotic vacuum that provides both dry and wet floor cleaning. It has 5 modes: carpet, quiet, mopping, turbo, and max, and in addition to cleaning carpet, it also cleans wood and hard floors. The robot vacuum can also pick up spilled food and pet hair. The cyclonic fan, floating main brush, side brushes, and rolling brushes combine to clean the floor horizontally and vertically. It uses a plug-in water tank that prevents water leaks, and the anti-collision sensors ensure the robot won’t roll over your pets, kids, and furniture.
If you have kids and/or a significant other, being quarantined together can be stressful. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy a glass of wine, but you know that once you open that bottle, the taste quickly degrades – and we don’t want you to use that reason as an excuse to drink the whole bottle. However, the Savino Airtight Glass Wine Preserver can keep your wine fresh for 7 days. The beautiful, airtight glass decanter is dishwasher safe, and stopper is made of BPA-free plastic. In addition, the decanter uses a patented float, which helps wine retain its taste.
This may seem like an odd essential if you’re quarantined at home all day. However, in an emergency situation, you might need to leave your home at a moment’s notice. You need to keep a packed bag (preferably in your car’s trunk) that contains a first aid kit, flashlight, radio, extra face masks, hand sanitizer, copies of important papers, phone chargers, etc. The Chrome Industries Hondo Water Resistant Backpack has a wide opening zip top, and several other compartments. There are 2 water bottle holders (one on each side), a padded 15” laptop sleeve, and a padded bottom to hold other devices. In addition to black, the backpack is also available in Gargoyle gray, navy, ranger, and a black tarp option.
Tartar can lead to gum disease, and this Dental Tartar Remover by AEVO can help you keep your mouth clean. The electric tartar remover has two removable and washable heads that can thoroughly clean not only tartar, but also plaque, and stains, without causing damage to your enamel. The stainless-steel cleaning heads resist rust and, and there’s also a built-in LED flashlight and a mirror to help you see every part of your mouth. The device is rechargeable, and comes with a convenient storage case.
Here’s one thing you don’t have to worry about cleaning: the LARQ Insulated Self-Cleaning Stainless-Steel Water Bottle makes it easy to ensure that your water is always pure. The bottle has an intelligent self-cleaning feature that activates every 2 hours, and purifies the water and inner surface with UV light that kills 99.999% of germs. The waterproof, insulated bottle is BPA and toxin free, and has a USB rechargeable Li-polymer battery. A single change lasts up to a month. The bottle also keeps water cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. It is available in 17 oz and 25 oz sizes, and comes in six powder coat and matte finish options, including Obsidian Black, Sahara Gold, Granite White, Himalayan Pink, Monaco Blue, and Seaside Mint.
Health-conscious individuals will appreciate this Cuisinart Digital Glass Steamer. Equipped with a stainless steel steaming tray and a glass lid, it has 5 food settings already preprogrammed, including seafood, vegetables, poultry, grains, and manual. There’s also a 60-minute countdown timer, and an LCD panel. The dishwasher safe digital glass steamer is available in stainless steel and also in white.
Sometimes, you need to drown out what’s happening around you. And whether listening to music or an audiobook, these Tribit QuietPlus Noise Cancelling Headphones provide a rich sound. They block out noise up to 35dB, and low frequency sounds up to 97%. The built-in rechargeable battery provides 36 hours of playtime on a single charge. However, you can also use the 3.5mm audio cable for those times when you would prefer to be plugged in. The built-in mic also allows you to make hands-free phone calls. The lightweight headphones have an adjustable headband and ear muffs, and are foldable to fit into the included carrying case. If you prefer ear buds, the Tribit FlyBuds provide passive noise canceling, with a choice of mono or stereo sound, and smart touch control. On the other hand, the Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker is both waterproof and dustproof, so you can use it indoors or outside. In fact, you can even attach the tear-resistant silicone strap to handlebars or backpacks to carry your music wherever you go.
In addition to cleaning your floors, it’s also important to clean fabrics, especially when you need to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. The Raycop RS Pro Handheld Allergen Vacuum Cleaner can be used on sheets, mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, and even stuffed toys, to remove dust mites, pollen, hair, and other yucky items from your home. The RayClean technology combines UV light, HEPA filtration, a pulsating brush, and an optimized suction process. And since it’s light (4.63 lbs), the handheld vacuum is easy to use and transport.
You can avoid tracking dirt and germs in your house with this Walker Edison Furniture Company Farmhouse Shoe Storage Bench. It’s an ideal place to take off your shoes and drop off your purse and laptop when you come home. The bench also provides a convenient place to sit down as you remove your shoes, and it has 3 cubbies underneath to hold lose items or use with canvas bins. The storage bench has a 250-pound weight limit, and it’s available in a variety of colors, including the white oak version shown above, gray wash, and reclaimed barnwood.
Looing for one vacuum that can clean everything? Consider this LG CordZero Cordless Stick Vacuum. I received one to test, and it truly is versatile enough to clean hard floors and carpets, but you can also adjust the telescopic wand to point the vacuum upwards and clean the top of your cabinets, drapes and other hard to reach places. And if that’s not enough, you can also convert the stick vacuum into a hand vac and clean your car, in-between your sofa cushions, and other places that a traditional vacuum cleaner couldn’t effectively reach.
The cordless vacuum includes not one, but two, removable lithium-ion batteries and it can operate for 80 minutes on one charge. The handy battery indicator light lets you know how much power is left. Vacuums tend to get really dirty, but the LG CordZero has a pre-filter, fine dust filter, and cyclone filter, and the filters and the cyclone system are washable. The vacuum also includes a variety of accessories, including a charging stand, crevice tool, and power carpet nozzle.
The AEVO Facial Cleansing Brush with a heated massager and sonic vibrations is ideal for helping to keep your skin clean. Indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air, so you need to pay extra attention to your face during the quarantine. The cleansing brush removes dirt, oil, dead skin, and also makeup. The heated massage is a bonus feature that increases blood circulation, which contributes to healthier skin. The facial brush is rechargeable, and a single charge can last through 20 to 30 uses.
Anyone can relieve stiff muscles with a handheld percussion massager (like the Hypervolt Handheld Percussion Massage Device), which is much cheaper than visiting a massage therapist. It’s cordless, so it can be used anywhere. This specific model, the Hypervolt, has 3 levels of vibration to provide the appropriate level of speed and power for each muscle group. I was sent a unit to test, and the quiet glide technology meant I didn’t have to wear noise-canceling headphones to block out the annoying sounds that typically accompany massage devices. Also, It may look heavy, but the lightweight device weighs less than 3 pounds. The rechargeable battery provides over 2 hours of use, so you can massage several muscle groups in one sitting.
Why It’s On the Heavy Hot List
Percussion massagers have become incredibly popular in 2020, especially among those who are into fitness and going to the gym. Workouts can leave your muscles feeling sore, but percussion massagers can really get rid of those deep muscle aches with relative ease. They’re also often expensive, so people are less likely to buy one for themselves.
Whether you’re doing Yoga or Pilates, lifting weights, or engaging in your favorite exercise routine, you need the right mat. This B Yoga High Performance Non Slip Exercise Mat is made with a non-slip rubber material, so it can withstand both sweat and heat without becoming slippery. The mat is 71”L x 26”W, which provides plenty of space to move around. It’s also available in several vibrant colors, including charcoal, deep blue, deep purple, ocean green, and sunrise red.
With this Cubii Seated Compact Elliptical, it’s easy to exercise even when sitting down watching TV or working at your desk. The ergonomic design can help tone hip flexors and glutes; quads, hamstring, and calves; and also abs and core. The elliptical has 8 levels of resistance and it is whisper quiet, and combined with the smooth gliding motion, so it won’t distract from whatever else the user is doing. When testing the unit I received from the company, I liked that the elliptical also has a display monitor to monitor progress (calories, RPM, distance), and it includes a handle for easy transport.
During the pandemic, it’s important to disinfect your phones and other items on a regular basis, but who wants to do that all day? You don’t have to with the HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer. You can use it to clean your phone, watch, eyeglasses, combs, ear buds, keys, credit cards – pretty much any item that will fit in the bag. The UV light is designed to kill up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and has a rechargeable battery. Most items placed in the bag can be cleaned and sanitized in 60 seconds.
After washing all the day’s dirt and grime down the drain, your guy will love reaching for a nice, warm, soft towel from this Amba Towel Warmer. This towel rack does more than just keep its towels cozy and warm. It also helps them to dry quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. And since it’s wall-mounted, it’s also a space-saving option if his bathroom space is limited.
The Amba the towel warmer also comes in a freestanding version that comes in several finishes, including satin brass, brushed nickel, white, matte black, polished nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze.
A Time article reveals that your bath towels are much dirtier than you might think, and you probably wash them after two days of use.
Right now, home is the safest place to be - but some homes could be hazardous. Here's what you need to stay safe, healthy, and sane as you hunker down.
