More so than you would realize, the air quality in our homes matters. It affects us physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Unbeknownst to us, our indoor air quality has a more significant impact than we might think. Most people don't give their breathing much thought, but the air we breathe is crucial to our health.
We inhale 2000 gallons of air - enough to fill up a normal sized swimming pool - every day. The air that is inhaled is about 20% Oxygen and the air that we exhale is about 15% oxygen. . But many things can affect the quality of the air we breathe.
Today's world faces severe air pollution issues. Many pollutants come from industrial activities such as manufacturing plants, power plants, refineries, chemical factories, incinerators, etc. Other sources include automobile exhausts, cigarette smoke, wood-burning stoves, and cooking fumes.
But do you ever consider what could affect our lungs and overall health in our air quality at home?
Common Household Items Affecting Your Air Quality
Believe it or not, many common household items we use daily may affect our respiratory health. Here's what you need to know about the many products we use and solutions to make your environment better:
Bleach
Bleach has been commonly used as a cleaning and disinfectant agent for many generations, but it can be a potential health hazard if used incorrectly. The vapors generated by bleach can rapidly accumulate in a poorly ventilated environment leading to respiratory discomfort. These vapors can also interact with other chemicals - ex. terpenes which provide the pine-fresh scent and limonene which provide the bright citrus scent - to produce particulate matter known as secondary organic aerosols. Long term exposure can even result in lung damage.
It is recommended that bleach and products containing bleach be used with all windows open. This would allow for better indoor air ventilation and thus decrease the inhalation of these harmful vapors. It is also recommended that people do not mix chemicals when cleaning or disinfecting.
When using bleach at home, follow the manufacturer's instructions. This may include using appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and goggles.
Never mix different types of bleaches. Always dilute bleach with water first.
If anyone in your family has respiratory issues or sensitivity, ask them to leave the room during and immediately after cleaning. Whenever possible, do your cleaning when others are not present to minimize exposure.
Try using natural alternatives to bleach in your home to avoid respiratory aggravation. Vinegar is a natural alternative to bleach. Use 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water to see the desired results.
Candles
Most people enjoy using candles in their homes. Candles are widely appreciated, whether it's for the fragrance or ambiance. These candles contain various waxes (petroleum, vegetable, animal or insect), fragrances, additives to modify the burning characteristics and a wick.
Vapors from burning candles contain carbon dioxide, particulate matter, soot, organic vapors and metal dust. These can impact indoor air quality negatively and cause eye irritation, allergies and asthma attacks, .
Aerosol Sprays
Air fresheners and deodorizers are commonly used in many households. While these products help optimize indoor air quality and smells, they may present significant dangers to human health.
Some aerosol sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are highly toxic chemicals that cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
. Children under age 6 are especially susceptible to the effects of VOCs.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends avoiding aerosol sprays containing VOCs. The EPA also states that children should not use aerosol spray containers.
You can reduce exposure to VOCs by choosing nonaerosol sprays. Nonaerosol sprays usually come in liquid form and have fewer ingredients than aerosols. In addition, they require less cleanup after use.
Unscented items are an additional option. Unscented products don't include any fragrances or scents.
Household Cleaning solutions
Many cleaning solutions are available on store shelves. Some of these cleaners are safe while others are not. While they are certainly good at cleaning the surfaces in your home, they are not so good at keeping your air clean and can, in fact, they pollute the air in your home.
Avoid mixing them when using cleaning supplies around your house. Mixing cleaning supplies will contaminate the air you're breathing in and can cause many side effects.
Many household cleaners contain hazardous chemicals. Some of these chemicals are highly poisonous. Others are just irritating but still dangerous. So use caution when purchasing household cleaning supplies.
If a highly concentrated cleaning chemical gets spilled in your home, do not attempt to clean up yourself. Instead, contact a professional specializing in cleaning solutions to avoid skin contact or risk any respiratory damage.
Try using natural cleaning alternatives such as lemon juice, baking soda, salt, and vinegar. These items are safe for your family's health and environment.
Paint
Many renovation projects involve homeowners applying paint on walls and ceilings. As a result, paint is one of the most common indoor pollutants.
Paint creates a protective barrier against dust particles and allergens when appropriately applied. It also helps keep moisture inside the home.
However, excessive painting could lead to poor indoor air quality. Pollutants, including germs, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, can be trapped by excessive paint.
This trapped material can then be inhaled into your lungs. If you notice excessive amounts of dust or mold contamination in your house, consider having your home professionally cleaned.
If painting your own home, take some precautions to protect your throat and lung health. For example, inhaling paint fumes while working can irritate your nose and throat. This irritation can trigger coughing fits and even asthma attacks.
To prevent this, wear a mask and goggles during the application process. Also, work outside whenever possible.
Smoke From Cigarettes or e-Cigarettes
These toxins can enter your body through your mouth, nose, and lungs. They can also enter your body through your skin if you are exposed to them for an extended period.
Children are particularly susceptible to cigarette smoke because they breathe faster, and their immune systems aren't fully developed yet.
As a result, children's bodies absorb more of these toxins than adults' bodies. They might therefore have more severe sickness symptoms as a result.
In addition to causing severe health problems, tobacco smoke can also affect the appearance of your home. It can also cause odors to linger in your home. These smells can be challenging to remove once they've settled.
The best way to combat these issues is to stop smoking altogether. If you already smoke, consider quitting.
If you still need to smoke, purchase an e-cigarette instead. Compared to conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes are safer. They contain no tobacco, so they won't produce tobacco smoke.
Instead, they emit vaporized liquid containing nicotine. In addition, E-cigarettes don't contain many of the chemicals found in regular cigarettes. This means that they pose less risk to your health.
However, there have been accounts of e-cigarettes leaking toxic chemicals. So, try to use them only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
Air Fresheners
Many individuals utilize scented aerosols to improve the smell of the air in their homes. Unfortunately, these products often contain VOCs. As mentioned before, VOCs are dangerous chemicals that can damage your health.
By producing offensive odor build-up, they can also lower indoor air quality. These chemicals include benzene, formaldehyde, acetone, xylene, and limonene.
You should avoid using air fresheners in your home unless they're specifically labeled as safe for indoor use. You can find natural air freshener options at most grocery stores.
Some everyday household items like candles, incense, and essential oils can also release VOCs. When used correctly, they are safe. Unfortunately, though, this won't stop them from emitting unsafe fumes.
Additionally, it's not always simple to distinguish between safe and unsafe items.
Natural air fresheners like lemon grass, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and cloves are all fantastic choices to keep your home smelling fresh.
Fireplaces
A fireplace is one of the most popular heating sources in the United States and many other countries. It provides warmth and comfort to those who live in cold climates. The health risks associated with fireplaces, however, are serious.
When you light a fire inside your home, you expose yourself to high amounts of fine particulate matter. Fine particles are tiny pieces of solid material suspended in the air.
Fine particles can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs. Additionally, they raise your risk of developing respiratory conditions, including bronchitis and asthma.
Through fractures in the walls and flooring, fine smoke particles might also enter your home. Once inside, they'll settle on surfaces where dust collects. The dust then becomes airborne again.
This process creates a cycle of contamination that can lead to unhealthy levels of pollutants in your home.
To prevent this problem, keep your fireplace clean. Use a chimney sweep regularly to ensure that all crevices are cleaned out.
Disinfectant Wipes
Many households have disinfectant wipes available for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. These wipes can be useful for removing germs and bacteria from door handles, doorknobs, faucets, toilets, sinks, and more. However, disinfectant wipes can also pose a risk to your health.
These wipes contain harsh chemicals that can dry your skin and leave residue behind. Certain disinfectant wipes can also leave behind a chemical layer on the surfaces you've used them on.
Shampoo and Hairspray
Hair sprays and shampoos are designed to keep hair clean and in place. However, these products often contain ingredients that can harm your health.
For instance, some hairsprays contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that is toxic to humans. It is also found in many household items, including furniture, carpets, and clothing.
It's also commonly used in commercial paints and adhesives. Other types of hairsprays include aerosol sprays that contain VOCs.
Always adhere to the directions supplied by the manufacturer while using shampoo or hairspray. Don't use too much product. Also, avoid spraying directly onto your face.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a popular alternative to traditional shampoo. Oil and grease from your hair are absorbed by dry shampoo. You then brush or blow-dry your hair without worrying about getting greasy hair strands.
As a spray product, dry shampoo incorporates propellants such as propane and butane. These fuels are unsafe for inhalation, are flammable, and can explode. This means that they can hurt you or damage nearby objects.
Before buying dry shampoo, read the label intently. Some brands contain harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. These chemicals are standard components in gasoline and other petroleum-based products.
Stove
Your stovetop may be emitting dangerous fumes. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, cooking fumes can trigger asthma attacks.
Carbon monoxide is produced during combustion processes, which occurs when you light a gas stove. Cooking fumes comprise carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrocarbons.
- Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas that's produced when fuel burns.
- Nitrogen dioxide is a greenish-yellow gas that comes out of burning fuels. Sulfur dioxide is a yellowish-brown gas that's emitted during combustion.
- Hydrocarbons are gases that come out of burning fuels.
You should never cook at high temperatures because this will increase emissions. The safest way to reduce emissions is to turn off the heat source before removing food from the oven.
Conventional stoves emit more pollutants than electric stoves. This is because conventional stoves burn fossil fuels like coal, wood, and natural gas. However, electric stoves don't produce any emissions.
Over the past few years, electric stoves have grown in popularity. Electric stoves are safer than conventional ones because they don't emit harmful fumes into the atmosphere.
Still, some people favor using standard stoves. If this is your preference, be sure to shut off the stove after using. This will prevent leakage of natural gas into your home. Also clean your stove regularly. Cleaning your stove reduces the number of toxins released into the air.
To keep your stove clean, wipe it down after each use using a damp cloth to remove excess grease and grime. Additionally, check the burner area for cracks or holes. If you find any, replace the entire burner assembly.
Why Air Quality Is Important
The air we breathe affects our daily life more than we know it. We can maintain our health by breathing clean air. You've likely noticed how good it feels to be surrounded by clean air.
It also improves our mood when we spend time outside. When we spend time outdoors, we get some exercise and enjoy nature.
In addition, the air we breathe helps regulate our body temperature. This effect is especially important for infants and young children who cannot effectively control their body temperature.
When we breathe clean air, it helps our bodies to ward off respiratory illnesses like the flu and the common cold.
Unfortunately, these illnesses can make us sicker than usual if we are in an unhealthy environment. Headaches, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing might occur when we breathe dirty air.
Here are a handful of the numerous advantages of good air quality.
Ability to Focus
The air quality in our homes may directly impact our ability to focus. Most of us are likely aware of the fact that fresh air helps keep our heads clear.
Alongside needing clean air in our work environments, having the same at home allows us to continue our days with purpose and focus. In the modern era of remote employment, this might be particularly crucial.
At the best of times, focusing may be challenging. But, if we add poor air quality into the mix, it can become even more difficult. Clean air will help you focus better by allowing the right amount of oxygen to enter your brain.
For optimum operation, our brains require a specific amount of oxygen. However, we may not receive enough oxygen when we breathe polluted indoor air. This can lead to a lack of focus, fatigue, and other symptoms.
If you're tired during the day, try taking a walk around your neighborhood. Fresh air will wake up your senses and give you energy. You'll notice that you start to feel better after just a few minutes.
To keep your capacity to concentrate, the air quality in your home is equally crucial. The air in our homes is affected by several factors, including the type and condition of your heating system, inadequate ventilation systems, appliances, and other equipment.
You can keep your air quality high by making sure these appliances are clean and functioning correctly. This will allow you to receive adequate oxygen for your brain to focus.
Decrease Allergies and Improve Breathing Quality
This may sound simple, but we often forget how our breathing may be affected by the air we are most exposed to daily.
Your home's air quality is critical, especially if you have children or pets. Indoor air pollution contains dust and other particles that are harmful to health.
If you have a lung ailment like asthma, being conscious of air quality should be a priority. Good air quality can help keep asthma at bay.
Due to the rise in allergies and respiratory disorders, indoor air quality has become more important. According to estimates, up to 40% of people experience seasonal allergies. One of the most typical environmental allergens is pollen.
The best way to keep pollen out of your home is to open your windows during the day and close them at night. Also, if you have pets, keep their fur short, so they don't shed all over your house.
Sleep Better
Fresh air helps us get a better night's sleep. It also helps reduce stress levels. If you suffer from insomnia, you know how hard it is to fall asleep without proper rest.
When you live in a place where there isn't good air quality, you may find yourself waking up feeling exhausted. Try cracking your window open for the night. If you aren't comfortable doing this, have your window open when you are at home and close it right before you sleep.
Fresh air helps to regulate our body temperature. When our temperature is where it should be, we will have a better night's sleep. Studies show that we sleep our best in comfortable, cool environments where our bodies don't have to work overtime to lower our temperature.
Reduce Odors
Unfortunately, synthetic fragrances or smells left behind by chemicals from things such as strong cleaning products and cigarette smoke can affect your overall health.
Common side effects of heavily chemicalized scents are headache, eye, mouth, throat, or lung irritation.
Reducing odors in your personal space is an easy way to make your home smell and feel fresher.
If you want to reduce the odors emitted from your home, consider using natural deodorizers. These products use botanicals to eliminate unwanted smells without leaving any harsh chemicals on surfaces. Instead, they work by absorbing the scent into the plant material itself.
You can use essential oils for this as a replacement if you still want a lightly fragranced home. Essential oils are natural scents extracted from flowers, herbs, leaves, roots, and bark. They are highly concentrated and can easily be used on your skin, hair, clothes, and furniture.
Balanced Humidity to prevent mold growth
Research shows that the ideal humidity for humans is 30-50%. This rating may differ based on where you reside. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are excellent devices to own. Using these devices improves indoor air quality and potentially boosts your health.
There are negative effects of high humidity in homes. For example, mold growth increases with higher humidity. Mold can become airborne and affect our respiratory health.
If you notice that your home feels too moist, try opening your windows and letting some fresh air flow through. Dehumidifiers are also helpful when there is excess moisture in your home. Dehumidifiers draw liquid water vapor from the air and condense it.
When your home lacks humidity in the air, your physical health can be affected. Eyes may become dry and irritated, while skin can soon end up flaky and itchy.
Humidifiers are great tools when it comes to keeping your home comfortable for your skin, but be sure to use them in a way that maintains optimal humidity levels in your home.
Lower Energy Bills with proper ventilation
Keeping a high quality of fresh air in your home can help you lower your energy bills. Poor ventilation can lead to higher payments due to increased heating costs. By having the correct ventilation installed, you can save money on heating expenses and keep the quality of your air high.
Additionally, improved ventilation help reduce the over-compensation of air conditioning units. This means that you won't need to run your AC unit as much, which lowers your monthly bill.
Ventilation systems come in many different sizes and shapes. Some are designed to fit under the sink, others are built into walls, and others are even portable.
Side Effects of Poor Air Quality
The cumulative effect of common indoor air pollutants can lead to serious health issues. Poor air circulation can cause sneezing, headaches, coughing, sore throats, runny noses, and congestion.
Colds and sinus infections may also be exacerbated by air pollution indoors. In addition, if your home is not sufficiently clean, allergies and asthma episodes may worsen.
Poor air quality, along with other factors, can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer over prolonged periods of time. More common repercussions of polluted air environments include:
Respiratory disease
You increase your chances of developing respiratory diseases when you breathe polluted air.
Among the most common symptoms of respiratory infections are coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If you see any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. Common respiratory diseases include:
Asthma
Inflammation in the lungs is a symptom of the chronic lung disease asthma. In the United States alone, 5 million people are impacted by this disease. Asthmatic patients experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing due to their inability to get enough oxygen into their bloodstream.
The best way to prevent asthma attacks is to avoid exposure to allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, cockroaches, and other irritants. If you suffer from allergies, try using an antihistamine spray before bedtime.
Allergies
The most common allergy is hay fever. When your immune system reacts to specific plant compounds, it can cause intolerance. The most common triggers include grasses, trees, weeds, ragweed, and houseplants. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, itching, and congestion.
You can help prevent hay fever by avoiding those pesky plants. If you must plant something, choose one that's easy to maintain. After handling plants, remember to wash your hands.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD is a group of conditions that cause airflow obstruction in the lungs. COPD includes emphysema and bronchitis. Patients suffering from COPD often experience shortness of breath and wheezing.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. Pneumonia can affect both children and adults. Common signs and symptoms of pneumonia include cough, rapid heartbeat, body aches, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Sinus Infection
Typically, a viral or bacterial infection in the sinuses is the culprit. Sinuses are hollow cavities located inside your face. They're lined with mucous membranes that trap dirt and debris. Bacteria and viruses thrive in this environment.
Consult a doctor as soon as you think you may have a sinus infection. They will perform tests to determine if it's bacterial or viral. Unfortunately, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by nasal congestion, watery discharge, and sneezing. This condition is triggered by allergic reactions to airborne particles such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander, and cigarette smoke.
Coughing or Sore Throat
Poor air quality can often lead to a painful throat and aggravating cough. Coughing helps clear out mucus and phlegm from your lungs.
Try keeping a humidifier on at night if you have a dry cough. This will improve the moisture in the air you're breathing in and help to relieve dry cough pain.
It is important to note that prolonged coughing may damage your vocal cords. Warm salt water gargling might help soothe a sore throat.
If you require painkillers, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These are available over the counter.
If your cough is re-occurring without any other diagnosis, be aware to check the quality of the airflow in your home. Mold growth due to relative humidity can lead to undiagnosed illnesses and coughs.
Headaches
Headaches caused by indoor pollutants and poor ventilation are widespread. Poorly ventilated homes tend to be stuffy and hot. These factors can contribute to headaches.
Try using an electric fan to circulate fresh air throughout your home. A/C systems can also keep your house cool and well-ventilated.
The body's capacity to maintain blood flow is aided by exposure to the outdoors and clean air. All body parts receive oxygen through the blood.
When there isn't enough oxygen, people feel tired and sluggish and can also experience headaches. Keeping the body moving in the fresh air is proven to reduce the risks of severe headaches or migraines.
Inability to Focus
You don't receive enough oxygen into your bloodstream when you breathe poor-quality air.
The low oxygen level will cause your brain to receive a signal telling your muscles to relax. As a result, you lose focus and coordination. It is recommended to break up your day hourly while working to avoid feeling fatigued.
To prevent these issues, open windows and doors to ensure you are receiving adequate ventilation. Additionally, it will assist if you remain active during the day to avoid spending a lot of time sitting immobile.
Poor Sleep Cycles
Studies have shown that those living in areas with high levels of outdoor pollution are 60% more likely to sleep poorly at night. Pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide can cause insomnia.
These pollutants can enter your home through cracks around windows and doors. They can also come from exhaust fans and heating systems. To keep them clear of dust and debris, be sure to clean the vents routinely.
The best remedy to these indoor air problems is to install a home filtration system. Before pollutants such as tobacco smoke in the air enter your lungs, a whole-house filter filters them out.
Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Are you looking to improve air quality in your home? A progressive first step is to minimize hazardous products you keep in your home.
Minimize Hazardous Products
Tobacco smoke, candles, and cleaning products all contribute to causing poor indoor air quality. Here are some ways to reduce their impact:
Avoid Burning Candles
Reduce the use of non-natural candles. Candles are frequently used to set an intimate mood in homes. However, many candles contain potentially harmful ingredients like paraffin wax, derived from petroleum. Paraffin wax also emits VOCs, contributing to poor indoor air standards.
Use only essential oil candles instead. Essential oils are safe and effective. They help create a relaxing atmosphere.
Swap Old Cleaning Products for Natural Ones
Opt for natural home cleaning products. Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that damage our health. Instead, opt for all-natural products. Look for items free of synthetic preservatives, dyes, or scents. Utilize green cleaning products.
Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Eco-friendly cleaning supplies aren't just good for the planet but also better for your family. These items are biodegradable and devoid of synthetic chemicals.
Don't Use Aerosols
Aerosol sprays can be dangerous if misused. Aerosols are commonly found in hair sprays, deodorants, and insect repellents. Although these products may seem harmless, they harm human health.
Instead, replace your aerosols with natural alternatives. For example, try using baking soda to freshen up your bathroom. Baking soda absorbs odors and helps eliminate bad smells.
Likewise, roll-on deodorants do not emit harmful chemicals. Instead, roll on natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. Try citronella or citrus oils to keep bugs at bay for a natural insect repellant.
Use Fragrance-Free Products
Many personal care products contain fragrances. These aromas smell nice to us. However, the scent isn't always healthy.
Some fragrances can trigger asthma attacks; others can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Fragrance-free products are healthier options. They don't contain harmful chemicals. Instead, they have natural scents, which are much easier on our respiratory health.
For instance, look for fragrances made with essential oils. Perfume makers have been using essential oils since ancient times. The scent of essential oils is captivating. They are also believed to improve our health.
Also, consider switching out traditional laundry detergents for fragrance-free versions. Laundry detergent contains toxic chemicals. Cancer has been linked to some of these.
Choose Natural Floor Cleaners
Unlike their chemical counterparts, natural floor cleaners are safe. They're also more cost-effective.
When looking for all-natural cleaners, check for ones that contain enzymes. Enzymes break down stains and dirt.
You can also find natural floor cleaners that contain vinegar. Vinegar is a powerful disinfectant. It removes germs and bacteria from hard surfaces.
Cleaning with lemon juice is another great option for cleaning floors and surfaces. Simply mix one part lemon juice with double the amount of water. Use this mixture to clean your floors. It works well on wood, tile, linoleum, vinyl floors, and countertops.
Open Your Windows If There’s Good Air Quality in Your City
When you open windows during hot weather, it allows fresh air into your home and makes your home cooler. However, opening windows when temperatures drop will let cold air inside. Close your windows at night to help your home stay a little warmer.
If you live in a warm climate, open your windows during winter. This will allow heat to escape. Also, open your windows during the summer months to enjoy the breeze.
If you'd rather stay cool, open your windows during spring and fall. This way, you'll get fresh air without letting in cold air.
Your home will benefit greatly from having fresh air flowing through it. Firstly, it keeps your home cleaner by removing dust particles. And secondly, it reduces relative humidity levels. Thirdly, it prevents mold growth. Finally, it allows you to catch allergens before they enter your home.
If you have pets, keeping the windows open is an excellent option as it allows pet hairs to be swept outside. This helps keep allergins and dust from collecting with animal hair and further building up potential irritations.
Keep Rugs and Carpets Clean
Rugs and carpets trap dust mites and other allergens. As a result, they contribute to allergies and respiratory distress. To prevent this, vacuum rugs and carpets regularly. Vacuum them thoroughly. Make use of a carpet shampooer to remove any remaining dirt.
Because it reduces the number of allergens in your home, vacuuming rugs and carpets is essential. It also helps reduce dust in your home.
Occasionally deep cleaning your rugs and carpets may be necessary. By using these instructions, you may carry out this task at home:
- Remove all furniture from the room where you plan to clean and vacuum the carpet or rug.
- Wipe down the rug or carpet with a damp cloth.
- Add a coin-sized amount of dish soap onto a sponge.
- Rub the area with a sponge.
- Rinse the carpet or rug with clear water.
- Repeat steps 4-5 until the entire area is cleaned.
- Dry the area using a dry towel.
- Vacuum the area again.
- Repeat steps 1-8 if needed.
- Restore the area after vacuuming.
Dust & Vacuum Frequently
Dust is everywhere. Dust accumulates in every nook and cranny of our homes. It's not just found in your bedroom or living room. Dust collects in closets, under beds, dressers, and even in the kitchen!
Dust is a significant irritant. When inhaled, it causes coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and congestion. In addition, it can trigger asthma episodes and worsen pre-existing diseases like bronchitis and sinus infections.
To avoid dust, make sure to clean frequently. Sweep daily and vacuum weekly. Always vacuum under beds, along baseboards, and around appliances. In addition, make sure to dust your home as frequently as possible. Dusting weekly helps ensure that dust doesn't build up over time.
To dust, follow these steps:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor first.
- Using a dustpan and broom, sweep or vacuum the rest of the house.
- Empty the dustpan and brush into a covered trash can.
- Dust each surface individually with a damp cloth.
- Store the dust-covered cloths in a sealed container or wash them immediately.
Buy Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are fantastic for improving air quality. By absorbing poisons and contaminants, they assist in air purification. They also provide oxygen and improve indoor air quality.
Plants absorb airborne contaminants like pollen, dander, and smoke. They also filter out harmful gasses like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and ammonia.
There's no need to buy expensive plants and pots to reap these benefits. Instead, you can combine many common plants and household items to create beautiful effects. For example, you can upcycle old containers, broken kitchen wares, and old gardening supplies into plant holders.
These can function effectively as indoor plant holders. Plus, you gain a unique look for your home.
You can add budget-friendly plants to your pots, including potted herbs, ferns, succulents, cacti, and bamboo.
You can also raise your own indoor plants. There are many easy ways to start growing your own indoor plants. For example, you can simply place some seeds on a plate and cover them with soil. Or, you can purchase an inexpensive plant starter kit. Once your plants begin to sprout, they will require little care.
Some of the best plants to include in your home for air quality are:
Bamboo palm: Bamboo is one of the most popular indoor plants. It cleanses the air by removing toxins and allergens.
Snake plant: Snake plants thrive in low-light environments. They are perfect for cleaning the air since they do not produce much odor.
Spider plant: Spider plants are known for their ability to cleanse the air. Their leaves are very soft and gentle.
Peace lily: Peace lilies are extremely fragrant. The scent is similar to jasmine.
Cactus: Cacti are great at filtering out odors. They also help to keep dust at bay.
Herbs: Herbs are wonderful for cleansing the air. They are also good for cooking.
Citrus trees: Citrus trees are excellent for purifying the air. They are great for freshening the air and making it smell nice.
English ivy: English ivy is great for cleaning the air. It absorbs toxins and allergens. It also contributes to air purification by supplying oxygen.
Pothos: Pothos are great for cleaning the room. They absorb toxins and allergens. They also purify the air by releasing oxygen.
Hanging pots are a simple yet easy-on-the-eye way of introducing these plants to your home. Different sizes and types of hanging baskets are available. Some are constructed of plastic, others of ceramic.
If you'd prefer to have a more extensive selection of plants, consider planting a window box. Window boxes are ideal because they allow you to see the plants from inside your home. In addition, you can easily remove the plants when you no longer need them.
Change Your Air Filter
Your air filters ought to be replaced around once every six months. This will ensure that your air is fresh and free of impurities. You can maintain a high level of air quality by changing your air filter.
To know when your filter needs changing, signs to look out for are :
- Dust particles accumulate on the filter
- The filter becomes clogged
- Odor begins to emanate from the filter
- The fan motor starts to run slowly
- The filter gets dirty
- The filter's efficiency decreases
- The filter stops working altogether
Maintain Smoke Detectors
Most modern homes come equipped with smoke detectors. Smoke detectors function by identifying when there is smoke present. You are alerted when smoke is detected. Smoke detectors save lives and your health, so you can evacuate your home before any harmful fumes become trapped inside.
In addition to helping you escape a burning building, smoke detectors can help protect your family from serious injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Inhaling colorless carbon monoxide can result in headaches, nausea, disorientation, and even death.
Carbon monoxide is produced during combustion processes. For example, when you burn wood in a fireplace, you create carbon monoxide.
Check your smoke detector if you notice an overwhelming odor coming from your home. Make sure that it's working correctly. Replace batteries every six months.
Let Airzey Help You Improve Air Quality In Your Home
We all know that fresh air is essential. But, why ignore the quality of the air in our homes? You should be able to breathe easier and enjoy a cleaner environment by paying attention to these suggestions.
Air pollution has significantly increased during the last few years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over seven million people die prematurely yearly due to poor air quality.
To combat this issue, there are several things we can do to improve the quality of the air around us. You can start with some basic changes around our own homes to help with our personal health.
In addition to these steps, we can also make sure that we're using natural products whenever possible. These items are better for our bodies than chemicals and other harmful substances.
Is your indoor air quality making you concerned for your family's health?
Airzey takes the hassle out of monitoring your air quality. We'll keep track of when it's time to replace the air filters in your home. Then, we'll deliver new ones right to your door.
There's no more need for you to try to remember this often-neglected task or to worry about what type of air filters you need and where to get them. We'll take care of all the details to improve the air quality in your home.
Rest easy knowing that the air quality in your home is the best it can be. Browse subscription plans and sign up to receive your new air filters as soon as it's time to replace them.
