It is a common fact that the air inside your home is more likely dirtier than the air outside. This is true no matter where you live, even if it’s a big crowded city. We spend a great deal of our time indoors, and if the air quality is left unattended, it can lead to health problems involving the heart, lungs, and allergies. Follow all of these guidelines, and you will be doing yourself and everyone in your home a big favor.
1. Keep Your Air Filters Clean
We have talked about this several times, keeping your air filters up to date is one of the best things you can do for your home. It helps keep your energy bill down, and a clean filter will keep many allergens from floating around in the air you breathe. You should replace your filters at least every 3 months.
2. Limit Burning Candles
Candles are a beautiful addition to any home, and it is perfectly acceptable to light one every once in a while for the great smell and relaxing ambiance, but you don’t want to burn them regularly. They release toxins in the air, some of which have been linked to cancer. Click Here For More Detailed Information. Having said that, beeswax and soy candles are an exception in that they release no harmful chemicals, and are safe for regular use.
3. Minimizing Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are two very nasty culprits, and should be erradicated as much as possible. The EPA has a great deal of material about the dangers, Listed Here. If you have mold in your home, find the source of moisture (whether it be a leak in the roof, plumbing, or elsewhere) and fix the problem, then clean the mold with a strong disinfectant. On a smaller scale, it is most commonly found in the shower along the grout. Regular cleaning and proper ventillation of the bathroom should keep it away.
4. Air Purifiers
An air purifier is a great way to help keep the air in your home allergen-free. Be sure and read the directions carefully, so you know proper care of the purifier to keep it in top condition.
5. Avoid Manufactured Air Fresheners
Aerosol air freshners do give the home an instant pick me up, but aerosol is bad for the environment, and the chemicals that are used to create that great smell can be harmful, especially if used regularly. Instead, try keeping small bowls throughout your home with water in them, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. You will need to add more oil every couple of days to maintain the smell, and clean the bowls out once a week.
6. Open The Windows On A Nice Day
If the weather permits, open your windows. Even if you live in a city, that added air flow will add an instant freshness to your home. And as a bonus, saves you money on your energy bill!
7. Use Green Cleaning Products
There are so many alternatives to harmful chemical cleaning products nowadays, it is so easy to avoid them altogether. Refer to any of our blogs listed under Cleaning Products for a great way to get your green cleaning started!
8. Do Not Smoke Indoors
We cannot stress enough that smoking indoors is very harmful to yourself and others. Second hand smoke affects everyone who is around it long enough. Not to mention, it gives your home a distinct odor that many find unpleasant.
9. Don’t Give Dust Mites A Great Place To Live
Dust mites and their waste are a potentially very harmful allergen. We have talked about the dangers before, In Our Blog About Dust Mites And Their Link To Asthma we have everything you need to know to keep those little buggers out of your home, and what to do if you have them.
10). Use Houseplants To Clean The Air Indoors
Houseplants are great for improving the quality of air in your home. The absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and they also absorb other chemicals such as formaldehyde. They add a liveliness to your home, and most common plants are very easy to care for. Here Is A List Of The 25 Best Indoor Plants.
For more great tips on improving the quality of air in your home, check out this article on thedailygreen.com on How To Purify The Air In Your Home.