Windowsills also have plenty of corners and crevices for grime to hide, making them perfect breeding grounds for mold, which can have adverse effects on indoor air quality and exacerbate allergies. Mold sensitivity can trigger various symptoms, from congestion and sinus pressure to hives, brain fog, and chronic fatigue. Surprisingly, mold isn’t exclusive to bathrooms; it thrives near windows due to the moisture from condensation, creating an ideal environment for its growth.

Research conducted at the University of Arizona found that every home contains mold, with the highest concentrations often found near windows. The good news is that while windowsills and tracks may attract dirt and mold, they are relatively easy to clean. The best way to eliminate mold spores from these areas is by using a solution of ¾ cup of chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water or a disinfectant that contains bleach. Regular cleaning is essential, ideally on a weekly basis.

Cleaning wooden windowsills requires special care as wood is porous and can worsen mold issues if soaked. A DIY cleaner made of ½ cup white vinegar, 3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil and 10 drops of lemon essential oil can effectively remove and prevent mold growth while moisturizing the wood.

For painted windowsills, start by inspecting for chipped paint and use sandpaper to remove loose areas. Then, use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean the sill and track. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth. Stubborn stains can be tackled with baking soda.

Aluminum window tracks and sills can become discolored over time due to sun exposure. A monthly cleaning with a commercially made aluminum cleaner is recommended. If dullness or stains persist, a paste of lemon juice and baking soda can restore their shine.

Plastic or vinyl windowsills and tracks often have weep holes that can get clogged. Cleaning these areas with a toothbrush or cotton swab is essential. Then, a simple dish soap mixture can be used to clean the surfaces, with baking soda for stubborn stains. To prevent mold and mildew, wipe them down with white vinegar and allow them to dry.

Regular maintenance of windowsills and tracks can improve indoor air quality and help create a healthier living environment for all residents, especially those with mold sensitivities.

Think again if you believed you could avoid talking about social media with your child. If your kid is about to turn 13, the youngster is technically allowed to have a social media account, like Instagram, for example. Here is what you need to know about teaching your youngster good habits when using Facebook, Instagram, and more.

Creating Social Media Accounts Too Early

Vivek Murthy, the US surgeon general, told CNN that children at the age of 13 are still forming their identities. According to him, the culture on social media often produces a very distorted view of relationships and values. Because it’s so widespread, Murthy thinks that it’s challenging to keep youngsters off social media. He advises, though, to unite and delay letting children open accounts until later in their teenage years.

If they want, children will still find a way to create social media accounts, even before the age of 13. It’s a little shocking how many young people create accounts on well-known social media platforms using fake birthdays and a parent’s email address. With all that being said, here are a few tips you get started when it comes to teaching your child good habits.

Start Discussing Social Media

Parents should start the conversation about social media early. This is what M.A., P.P.S., and social media expert Ana Homayoun thinks. She collaborated with Instagram to create parental safety guides. Even if they are not using these platforms, children start using the Internet at a young age. The truth is kids don’t learn about Instagram and other apps from their parents. They learn about them from peers, friends, older siblings, and other influencers. That said, it’s critical that parents actively promote conversations with their children about social media.

Set Time Limits

Kids struggle with self-control. It’s common for them to spend countless hours on social media. Whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour, you, as a parent, should decide on the right amount of time per day for them to spend using such apps. Use Instagram’s Activity Dashboard to mute push notifications, set daily time limit reminders, and more.

Implement an Effective Social Media Etiquette

A child’s self-esteem can be damaged by comments online. Use the tools outlined in Instagram’s resource guide and talk to your child about proper media etiquette. The app lets you filter out inappropriate or offensive words from your comments. One more thing you can also do is practice these positive habits yourself and become a role model for your youngster.