UPDATE (February 3, 2021)— The Home Depot announced this week that it is adding paint rewards to its Pro Xtra loyalty program in a move that reconfirms the home improvement company’s commitment to its professional customers. The addition of paint rewards is just the latest in a series of recent major changes to the Home Depot’s Pro Xtra loyalty program that have included expanding the scope of the program’s rewards and updating the overall user experience for the better.
The Home Depot’s freshly revamped paint rewards program rewards high-spending customers with different levels of discounts. Pro Xtra members will now be placed into savings tiers based on the amount they spend on qualifying purchases of paint, stains, and primers in Home Depot stores. Those tiers are:
Bronze Level: 10% off when you spend $1,000
Silver Level: 15% off when you spend $3,500
Gold Level: 20% off when you spend $6,500
Pro Xtra paint customers will also still have full access to the rest of the Pro Xtra program’s rewards and benefits, including the ability to earn Perks through purchases and earn additional discounts.
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The Home Depot Expands Pro Loyalty Program
October 1, 2020— The Home Depot just announced the launch of some dramatic upgrades to their Pro Xtra loyalty program, adding earnable shopping perks as customer rewards and revamping the user experience to be more mobile-friendly.
“We wanted to make this more than just a loyalty program — it’s what I call a ‘system for pros’ that isn’t just about rewards,” says J.T. Rieves, vice president of pro business at The Home Depot.
What Rieves refers to as a “system for pros” starts with how pro customers shop and track their spending. For The Home Depot, one of the main goals of expanding their loyalty program was to streamline the checkout experience for pro members.
“Historically if you were a pro member there were really two ways we would capture your transaction at checkout,” say Rieves. “One would be you punching your phone number in the pin pad as you were checking out, and that phone number is your member ID. Or you could register a tender, like a credit card, gift card or a checking account.”
The new program improves on that process by giving every member a unique virtual ID within the Pro Xtra mobile app. This way they can simply scan their phone at checkout to ensure they are tracking their spending and getting credit for their purchases. Making sure members get credit for their spending is even more important now that the Home Depot has added a perks system to the Pro Xtra program that rewards members for purchases made online and in-store.
“We’ve never really had anything that rewarded you for your spending, other than for some of our really big customers that are under contract and situations like that,” says Rieves. “For our smaller pros, our handymen, some of our most important customers that are in our stores every week or multiple times a week, now there’s a program out there for them.”
Through Pro Xtra, members can unlock and redeem perks that include “Tool Rental Perks,” discounts on in-store tool rentals, and “Pro Xtra Dollars,” essentially a digital rewards card.
“That perk is going to be delivered in the app. It’s not going to be something you get in the mail,” say Rieves.
The entire Pro Xtra experience now runs through the mobile app. The Home Depot views focusing on mobile as a natural evolution that reflects the technology upgrades they’ve seen on jobsites over the last decade or so.
“We’re trying to get everybody to be mobile first, recognizing that that’s the way the world goes,” says Rieves. “And in many cases, if we’re talking pros over the years, we’ve seen a noticeable pivot away from the yellow legal pads to iPads and smartphones.”
Pro Xtra members will also receive occasional bonus perks that serve mostly as a way for The Home Depot to thank pro customers for their loyalty.
“The bonus perks right now will be a drink or a snack,” said Rieves. “That’s what we’ll do as a sort of welcome to the program.”
You probably know lead and asbestos are dangerous substances that can turn up in homes. But you might not know that other chemicals inside our houses, natural and man-made, can make you sick. These substances can foul your air, water, food and even the products you use to clean.
Some symptoms of sick building syndrome can include irritated eyes, nose, throat or skin; breathing trouble; fatigue; and difficulty concentrating. Building-related illness may include long-term problems like asthma and allergies. And then there are the chemicals that disrupt hormones or jumpstart cancer.
Here are some things you can do that to make your house healthier and reduce your risks.
You Have Toxic Dust
The dust in hard-to-reach corners or settled atop your furniture can do more than cause a sneezing fit — it can actually be toxic. Researchers from George Washington University analyzed dust samples data from across America and found 45 potentially toxic chemicals hiding within, ten of which turned up in 90 percent of the samples.
One repeat offender was TDCIPP, a flame retardant frequently found in furniture and other household items that is thought to cause cancer. Phthalates, often found in toys and vinyl flooring, as well as phenols, typically used in cleaning products, were also found in high amounts.
Minimize dust by vacuuming frequently (use the proper attachments to reach into corners and under furniture) and regularly wiping down surfaces.
You’re Addicted to Air Fresheners
If you’re obsessed with keeping your house smelling fresh, you could be affecting your health. Scented candles, oil diffusers, plugin fresheners and scented sprays may contain phthalates, chemicals that may disrupt the endocrine system by interfering with hormones.
“Phthalates can act as a synthetic hormone inside the body,” says Lara Adler, an environmental toxins expert and certified holistic health coach in Portland, Ore. “When we have synthetic chemicals that interfere with natural processes, we start worrying about health issues.”
Safely freshen your home by using natural essential oils, buying flowers or simply opening the windows.
Your Kitchen Is Filled With Plastic
Plastic storage containers often contain harmful chemicals like BPA, which can leach into your food during reheating, or while storing leftovers that are still hot.
Polycarbonate plastic items (hard and marketed as shatter-resistant) like reusable water bottles, drinking cups or beverage jugs also often contain BPA, which may interfere with the body’s hormones and potentially raise the risk of developing cancer and diabetes.
And don’t let “BPA-free” on the packaging fool you. “Many manufacturers simply replaced BPA with another similar chemical in the same family, which may be just as bad,” says Adler. Avoid plastic whenever possible, says Adler, and opt for glass storage containers or stainless steel water bottles.
You Spray Down Your Shower With Bleach
Bleach will leave your bathroom tiles sparkling clean, but if mold is an issue bleach could actually make it worse. “Bleach gets rid of mold in tile grout, but it’s very caustic and grout is permeable, so it actually eats away at grout over time and makes tiny holes for more mold to grow,” says Adler.
Try using a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to combat mold spores. Be sure your bathroom has proper ventilation to cut back on the humidity mold thrives in. And use a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls to get rid of excess water after bathing.
You Have Wall-To-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting can be a big problem if you don’t take care of it. “It becomes a sink for all kinds of contaminants,” says Adler. Dust and pet dander can settle into the cushioning and cause allergic reactions.
And if you don’t remove your shoes before walking through the house, you can track contaminants from the outdoors all over your carpet — dirt, pesticides, heavy metals, you name it. “Then your kids or pets crawl on the floor and get it all over themselves,” she says. Regularly vacuum and wash carpets and rugs.
All Your Cookware Is Non-Stick
More research needs to be done, but scientists suspect the synthetic chemicals that prevent food from sticking in non-stick cookware can be released during high-heat cooking and potentially be harmful, even causing flu-like symptoms. Opt for stainless steel or cast iron.
Your Upholstery Is Ancient
If you can’t bear to part with your favorite couch or big comfy chair, at least take a look at its little white tag. If it says “TB117,” you could be in danger. “Flame retardants that are carcinogens, typically found in upholstered furniture, were required under California law TB117,” says Adler.
In 2013, California passed a law no longer requiring these flame retardant chemicals, so items manufactured since then say “TB 117-2013” on the label. “Consumers should check to make sure that the tag on upholstered furniture states TB117-2013 and that the label clearly indicates that no flame retardants have been added,” Adler says.
Your Pantry Is Packed With Canned Food
Canned food can make for a cheap meal with a side of toxins. Some cans are lined with a substance containing BPA, which can migrate into food, especially ones that were hot when packaged or are acidic, says Adler. “These are staples in people’s kitchen yet are a significant source of BPA exposure,” she says.
Research companies that pledge not to use harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process. Many brands now sell beans, soup and tomatoes in boxes, she says. Better Bean Company packages its products in refrigerated plastic tubs.
You Burn Incense To Relax
Burning incense can send large amounts of particulate matter into the air, which can settle in the respiratory tract, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It also often contains trace amounts of chemicals that may cause skin irritation.
You Don’t Have Houseplants
Houseplants can do more than brighten your home; they can also reduce indoor air pollution. Just ask NASA. NASA research found that greenery like English Ivy, Gerbera Daisy, Bamboo Palm, and Chinese Evergreen are effective in absorbing and removing harmful contaminants like carbon monoxide from the air.
Your Laundry Room Smells Good
If your laundry routine consists of scented detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets to keep your clothes smelling cozy fresh, you could have a triple whammy of toxins on your hands.
“These products with fragrance often contain phthalates or other harmful chemicals, which may cause health issues over time,” says Adler. Look for products with a short list of ingredients that don’t include the words “fragrance,” “perfume” or “parfum.”
Your Kitchen Isn’t Properly Ventilated
If your stove uses gas, you could be raising the level of toxic fumes while you’re cooking without even knowing it.
“Carbon monoxide, a deadly gas released from gas stoves and ovens, can quickly build up in your kitchen, especially without proper ventilation,” Adler says. “Some studies suggest that about half of all gas stoves can raise carbon monoxide to dangerous levels.”
If you have an electric stove, you’re not totally in the clear either. Some research has found the simple process of cooking can create fumes as well as fine particles that affect indoor air quality. Make sure you use your hood vent (ideally vented to the outside) or open your windows to properly ventilate and avoid the dangerous gasses, Adler says.
You Use Plastic Shower Curtains
That plastic-y smell of a vinyl shower curtain or liner is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At high enough concentrations, they can irritate your respiratory tract as well as cause long-term damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, according to the EPA.
“VOCs are released from a wide variety of sources in our homes: flooring, paints, cabinetry, furniture, carpeting and even vinyl shower curtains,” Adler says. “Swapping a vinyl shower curtain with a polyester one is a simple but effective way to reduce VOCs.”
Plastic shower curtains can also harbor harmful mold and mildew. “Mildew is not necessarily black or brown or gray — it can also be the pink and orange stuff,” says Melissa Maker, founder of Canadian cleaning service Clean My Space and host of the CleanMySpace YouTube Channel. “Turn your fan on and let it run for 30 minutes after you get out of the shower.”
Also, close your curtain after showering to let it dry out instead of leaving it scrunched to one side, Maker says. In addition, get a shower curtain that’s machine-washable.
You Don’t Use a HEPA Air Filter
This one measure can improve your indoor air quality immensely. “The EPA has found that indoor air quality can be five to ten times worse than outdoor air, and poor indoor air quality can lead to or exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma and allergies,” Adler says. Air filtration units, she adds, are a great tool in improving air quality inside the home.
To be effective, however, it should use HEPA filters and activated carbon filtration. HEPA filters remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size, but won’t remove any VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene or solvents that are gaseous. For these, you need an activated carbon filter.
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier has both types of filters, absorbing secondhand smoke, harmful chemicals, cooking byproducts and other airborne impurities in addition to particles that trigger asthma and allergies. And make sure you regularly clean and change every filter, including those for your furnace, HVAC and even vacuum cleaner, Maker says.
You Don’t Clean Humidifiers Regularly
You might think your humidifier is making the air healthier, but it may be doing the exact opposite if you don’t clean it out regularly. “Your humidifier can get crusty and moldy over time,” Maker says. If so, it could disperse spores into your air.
Mold, which the CDC says is linked to respiratory problems, may grow in dirty humidifiers or those with water left in them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends changing your humidifier water daily. Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup, clean the machine per the manufacturer’s instructions, and drain it before storing it for summer. Just make sure you’re not using harsh cleaners, as they can end up in the air when you run the humidifier.
If your humidifier has a filter, change that often per the instructions as well.
“Mold can grow anywhere that water has infiltrated — common places include under sinks, in attics or roofs that have leaks, or any homes that have experienced any degree of flooding or water damage,” Adler says.
“The best prevention is moisture control. Keep humidity levels below 60 percent, install ventilation fans in bathrooms, immediately and thoroughly dry any wet areas, make sure pipes do not leak, inspect and repair gutters, and increase airflow inside the home.”
The EPA doesn’t recommend mold testing because there are no federal limits on mold. Instead, if you can see it or smell a musty odor, you should remove it with a regular cleaner (avoid chlorine bleach if possible). If it’s a big job or it’s in the walls, call a professional.
“Air conditioners are notorious for harboring potentially dangerous mold, and bacteria like legionella [which causes Legionnaires’ disease],” Adler says. “Unfortunately it’s nearly impossible to properly clean an air conditioning unit once mold or bacteria are present, so the best solution is to replace it with a new unit.”
Can you prevent it from growing in the first place? “Not really — ACs are moist and they are breeding grounds for mold,” she says. “They aren’t always easy to clean.” But if you have central air/HVAC, make sure to keep the system maintained according to schedule.
Your Home Has Elevated Radon
Through a natural breakdown of uranium in the ground, radon gas is released. If your home is sitting above those uranium deposits, it can trap the cancerous gas and expose you and your family. You can’t smell or see it, and its health effects usually aren’t evident for many years.
The EPA estimates one in 15 homes in the United States has elevated radon that creeps in from the soil below. This gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it’s responsible for 21,000 deaths per year.
Because of this, the EPA recommends testing your home for radon. You can buy kits online or in hardware stores, or hire a certified pro. If elevated radon is found, reduction systems using a vent and fan can be easily put in place to effectively reduce levels.
You Don’t Filter Your Water
“Some 77 million Americans currently drink water that has violated the Safe Drinking Water Act due to excessive contamination,” Adler says. “Hundreds of industrial chemicals have been measured in drinking water in the United States, but the EPA only regulates 91 of them. Additionally, the American Society of Civil Engineers has given our water infrastructure a D grade.”
Filtering drinking water is essential, she says. But to find the right type of filter, you’ll need to test your water first. Not all filters remove all types of contaminants.
The EPA points out that many county health departments will test your water upon request. Your water supplier or other state-certified labs may as well. And if you have a private well, testing water at least once a year is crucial. It’s your responsibility since it’s not tested or regulated by any other source.
“Clean your sponge between uses by rinsing it really well with soapy water; every so often, soak it for 30 minutes in an oxygen bleach solution, remove it, and let it air dry,” Maker says. “You can also put them in the dishwasher, or the microwave.”
One study found that zapping your sponge in the microwave for two minutes killed 99 percent of bacteria. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends cleaning sponges daily. To minimize contamination, use paper towels instead of sponges to clean up raw meat.
Maker says synthetic sponges are easier to sanitize than the more porous natural sponges. Whatever you use, remember to swap the sponge out regularly. Here are 15 spring cleaning mistakes that could make you sick.
You Haven’t Washed Your Kids’ Toys
It’s not just cold and flu germs that linger on your child’s toys, although that can happen, especially after play dates. But toxic dust can settle on playthings as well.
“Make sure to wash kid’s toys and stuffed animals frequently to minimize dust that collects on these surfaces,” says Samara Geller, a senior research and database analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Don’t feel you have to use harsh cleansers on your children’s toys. “Children can be especially sensitive to chemicals in cleaning products,” Geller says. Cleaning them with soap and water, or putting them in the washer if they can be machine-washed, will do.
You Don’t Have a Mattress Protector
Your sleeping space can also be a “hotbed” of dust mites, which are a trigger for allergies and asthma, according to the American Lung Association. The tiny pests, which feed off dead skin cells from humans, like to settle and nest in bedding.
“The most important thing for dealing with dust mites is to have a mattress protector cover over the mattress, which then prevents dust mites from going into your mattress,” Maker says. “Then you can just wash the mattress protector from time to time. Number two, changing your sheets frequently is the best way to keep dust mites at bay.”
It is possible to go overboard with your cleaning — a certain amount of germ exposure is actually healthy. “When we over-disinfect our house and get rid of too much bacteria, it backfires on us,” Maker says. “Soap and water is a super-effective cleaner that will protect us from most things.” What it doesn’t remove, she says, will give our immune system a healthy challenge.
“Disinfectants may facilitate the growth of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, and the ingredients in many are harmful to human health and the environment,” she says. “Most routine cleaning does not require disinfection — simple soap and water are enough to remove most household dirt and organic matter.”
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