Clean Living

Courtesy of Newell

1. A UV sanitizer diminishes the bacteria growing on your toothbrush.

2. Filtered water reduces the harmful effects of chlorine on your skin and hair.

3. An antimicrobial toilet seat inhibits the growth of stain-and odor-causing germs

“Your home is killing you,” declare the marketing materials for NeWell Caldwell, a Charlestown development opening this month. Yes, we live in dangerous times and could be undone at a moment’s notice by everything from Ebola to sitting down to…our own homes. Never fear, though. NeWell’s units are safer than where you’re living right now.

NeWell cofounder Vincent Vomero, a BU grad, claims that his cutting-edge two- and four-bedroom units will give you a better night’s sleep and reduce your sick time. The bedrooms feature soundproofed walls, blackout shades, high-efficiency air filtration, and a lighting system timed to your circadian rhythm. He’s installed antimicrobial-coated countertops, doorknobs, and toilet seats, a UV cleaning system to remove bacteria from the air, even a disinfecting toothbrush holder. (Alas, your toothbrush is out to get you, too.)

Vomero came up with the idea one night while trying to fall asleep. After an experiment with ear plugs, a ceiling fan, and blackout shades, he set out to embed health-conscious accessories into new construction. The idea, he thinks, will be (ahem) contagious.

Germophobes will likely jump at the opportunity to move into NeWell. But Vomero, 26, says he has a different kind of renter in mind: young professionals. That’s right, the apartments weren’t just designed for the Purell set, but for the unclean (or just plain old lazy) Millennials who aren’t getting enough sleep and don’t have time to properly clean their bathrooms.

“I envision that NeWell is going to become not only its own brand but the face of a new brand of healthy apartments,” Vomero says.

As for what happens when we leave our antimicrobial apartments, for, say, the office, the outdoors, or the MBTA… well, there may not be enough air purifiers in the world for that.