Filtrete Archives

Creating A Healthy Home Filtrete’s Clear Advantages

March 21, 2011 by Momstart 3 Comments

Personally, I work very hard to keep our home healthy, and I try to keep it healthy in many different ways. Yes, I want to keep my family mentally healthy but I also scour all of the surfaces for germs and we try the best we can to fight allergens. Filtrete’s Clear Advantages and Dr. Alanna Levine’s, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), ABC’s to help maintain a healthier home environment for children. Because most allergens begin in childhood it is very important to maintain a healthier home environment for children. Here are Dr. Alanna Levine’s ABC’s according to MomStart.

A – Avoid. For me one of my largest allergens is dust pollen that lives outside. So I have to stay out of the garden even though I love gardening. A good tip is to do just that, whenever possible, avoid irritants that trigger your allergies. Some easy ways to avoid a few of these allergens could be as simple as not using down pillows or blankets. Also you can cut down on allergens by using hypoallergenic pillows on your kid’s beds and limit their exposure to perfume, talcum powder, hair spray, air fresheners, fabric softeners or other strong odors or sprays. Strong fragrances and odors may aggravate allergy symptoms.

B – Balance. Have a balance in your home. One thing that was listed by Dr. Alanna that we do in our house is we keep the windows closed. By keeping the windows shut and the central air conditioning on during high pollen season children are protected from pollen particles that trees, grasses and weeds release into the air. All of these pollens and particles have been known to cause eye, nose, and airway allergy symptoms to arise. A tip I’ve never considered was giving children washable, non-allergenic stuffed toys when possible.

C – Change. Change your filter every three months using a high performance filter, you might even want to find an allergen filter like the one that Filtrete makes, the Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter from 3M. Also consider changing things that are often neglected. For instance change the leaky faucets, pipes and other high moisture areas that are common places for mold growth. We have to stay on top of moisture living in the Pacific Northwest. I mean it rains almost every day.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthy allergen free house fit for you and all of your kids.

For more healthy home living tips, money saving offers, filter change reminders and more, Moms can register to receive seasonal e-newsletters through the Clear Advantages program by visiting www.Filtrete.com. You can also get these and more by following them on Twitter at @Filtrete.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filter Rebate

October 13, 2010 by Momstart 1 Comment

Saving money and writing about a company that I love at the same time now that is something I am passionate about. Filtrete makes many types of filters, water filters, to air filters and they are all under the 3M brand. For those of use that have a few allergy problems they make Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filters. They capture 94 percent of large airborne particles such as pollen, smoke, dust mite debris and pet dander from the air as it passes through the filter. The Filtrete Elite Allergen Reduction Filters also capture up to 40 times more microscopic particles than ordinary fiberglass filters. The filters also help maintain airflow in heating and cooling systems, which may help prevent stress on the system and reduce the amount of energy needed to warm your home this Fall and Winter.

Save on Filtrete with this Rebate:

And Join their Clear Advantages Program.

Oh and Here are some Kitchen Cleaning Tips Courtesy of Filtrete:

Kitchen Clean-Up

Certain areas of the home, especially the kitchen, can breed and harbor germs that not only cause odors but can spread to family members. These low-cost cleaning tasks, when done regularly and properly, can be effective in making the home healthier for your family:

Trashcans: Trashcans should be cleaned monthly using a chlorine bleach and water solution. Simply combine one cup of non-chlorine bleach for every three gallons of water and pour the solution into the trashcan. Swish the solution around in the trashcan, and wait about five minutes for the chlorine to kick in and kill the germs.

Refrigerators: Cleaning the refrigerator monthly will improve the safety and quality of your food. If you are tired of cleaning spills and food particles from your refrigerator, then cover shelves with washable shelf liners. They will catch most of the food spillage, and will make cleanup quicker and easier. Once a month, throw them in the dishwasher for a good cleaning, and then place them back in the refrigerator once they are dry.

Sinks: Since bacteria can accumulate in cracks and crevices, pay extra attention to these areas when disinfecting. Also, stainless steel sinks can be tough to clean and can look spotty due to water spots and lime build up. To keep the sink shiny, use a soft buffing wheel to restore the luster. Then, use a cloth to generously apply mineral oil to the sink. Water will bead up and roll off the sink, keeping it shiny and helping prevent spots.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

3M Filtrete Water Station Review

September 30, 2010 by Momstart Leave a Comment

3M is a brand that is near and dear to my heart. 3M makes the Nexcare brand that creates these wonderful ear plugs that are the only ones that do not hurt my ears and help me to sleep at night. 3M also makes quite a few filters for heating units, we use a ton of 3M products, I would even say that their brand of band aids are my favorite because they actually stay on for a good deal of time. Now they have used their filtering process to create not one glass of water but four glasses of water all at once. This unique system was featured at BlogHer. We were provided with a cup to keep and anytime we needed water we would just go up to the filter and get a glass of water.

At our old house the water was NASTY. So we’re really familiar with water filtering. I like the Filtrete because it is so fast and the water bottles do not take up a lot of room in the fridge. That would be my biggest complaint of any of the other water filtering systems that we have tried. Also, I don’t have to hold the refrigerator door open to get cold water, just grab a bottle and go!

The filter lasts longer, filtering two and a half times more water than traditional pitcher filters. This means the filter filters about 100 gallons for approximately three months The 3M Filtrete Water Station includes a three month filter change indicator that shows when it’s time to change the filter. I love when something tells me I need to replace it. Reduces sediments and chlorine taste and odor from tap water . As I mentioned above the Filtrete Water Filter station includes four, 16.9 ounce bottles that are dishwasher safe, BPA free and include a leak proof cap. In a house with kids that run off with things, it’s nice having a water bottle that is leak proof. Another huge bonus for me is that if we do decide to get new parts, the filter housing is recyclable with #2 plastics (Check with your local recycler, we can recycle number 2). Save up to 3,000 bottles of water per year.

3M Filtrete wants Moms Stress Free When Thinking of Home Keeping

May 20, 2010 by Momstart 2 Comments

At our old house the only filter we used for our heater was 3M’s brand Filtrete. They have the most options for filter types, our favorite being the allergen filter. That’s what I called it anyway, they have good, better and best; and we were using best because it captures at least 90We had two large hairy dogs and the hair was everywhere, so it helped quite a bit to be using an allergen filter. The only reason we aren’t still using t% of the large airborne particles. The only reason m is because the heater in our new house uses a 2” filter and we can’t find a 2” in their brand. 3M’s brand Filtrete wants moms to have time to worry about other things, and not how clean the house is.

When it comes to the routine of cleaning, homeowners tend to be more concerned with stacks of dirty dishes (66 percent), piles of laundry (58 percent) and dust balls on their carpet (57 percent), according to a survey commissioned by 3M, maker of Filtrete air cleaning filters. But they often forget about other areas of the home – such as bedding, shower doors and even stuffed animals – that can be breeding grounds for bacteria, mildew, dust mites and foul odors.

To keep your mind at ease, they have teamed up with Healthy Housekeeper Laura Dellutri, author of The Overworked Mom’s Stress Free Home Keeping to offers these tips:

Start at the Top: Ceiling fans, tall mantles and bookshelves, and the tops of door frames tend to subscribe to the “out of sight, out of mind” motto. These areas often harbor dust, so it’s important to wipe them down regularly to help remove dust buildup. Start at the top and work your way down, collecting all of the dust and dirt that falls to the floor while you’re cleaning.

Wipe Down Windows and Walls: Don’t clean windows the old fashioned way – newspaper can cause ink residue and paper towels leave lint behind. Your best bet is to use microfiber cleaning cloths and a professional window squeegee to get a streak-free, spotless shine. To prevent streaks on shower doors and walls, apply lemon oil to the door twice a month. This will help repel soap scum and shampoo, while also adding a nice shine.

Think Horizontally: Dust mites are nearly everywhere. In fact, the American Lung Association estimates that roughly four out of five homes in the United States have detectable levels of dust mite allergen in at least one bed. Reduce dust mites by encasing your mattress and pillows, and wash your bedding in hot water about once a week. Also, since dust mites are microscopic, place strips of duct tape on the mattress case to prevent the dust mites from sneaking through.

Clean the In-between: While cleaning what you can see, don’t forget to clean what you can’t see – the air you breathe. Use a high performance air filter in the home, such as the Filtrete 1” Ultimate Allergen Reduction filter from 3M, to help capture particles such as pollen, smoke, dust mite debris and pet dander from the air that passes through the filter. Be sure to change your filter at the start of every season, or every three months.

Freeze the Fur: Stuffed animals can harbor dust mites so it’s important to pay special attention to them. Place stuffed animals in a large plastic bag and freeze them for four to five hours. Remove them from the freezer and plastic bag, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any leftover dust particles.

Finish With Floors: To keep floors in tip-top shape, vacuum and clean them weekly. You can easily make your own floor cleaner by adding a few drops of mild liquid dish detergent to a gallon of water. Hot water can break down floor finishes after time so use water that is barely warm. Finally, don’t forget to clean the floor under large pieces of furniture, which may require you to temporarily move them elsewhere. Corners of rooms and the back of closets often are overlooked, so be sure to clean these areas as well.

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“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”