When choosing paints for your home, don't be fooled into thinking something labeled "low-VOC" is healthy for you. VOCs -- volatile organic compounds -- are the chemicals and odor in paint. A low-VOC paint still contains these vapors, and the reality is that there is no standard that actually defines "low." The only way you can be sure you chose the healthiest option is to purchase "zero-VOC" paints, which contain no fumes or vapors. But remember, when you tint a zero-VOC paint with dark colors, you may be adding VOCs, so choose light shades whenever possible.

Microfiber cloths are an eco-friendly, affordable and effective way to practically clean every surface in your home. The cloths are made of tightly knit microscopic fibers that literally grip onto dirt, germs and bacteria and absorb 7 to 8 times their weight. Microfiber towels are reusable hundreds of times, and you can toss them in your washing machine. But to keep their absorbency at its peak, be sure to wash them separately. Lint from other fabrics (like T-shirts and towels) can get embedded into the microfiber, making them less effective. Also, never use fabric softener or dryer sheets when laundering microfiber towels; they will leave a finish on the fabric that causes it to lose its grip.

Using a vacuum is one of the best ways to create a healthy home. By vacuuming just once a week (or twice if you have pets) you can keep dirt, dust and other debris under control. But one more trick? Vacuum slowly. By going slow and moving the vacuum with overlapping strokes, you actually speed up the cleaning process by 85 percent. More dust, allergens, pollen, dirt and other debris get picked up with the slower motion of the vacuum.