15 Powerful tips to improve your home's air quality.
Is the air inside your home clean? The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that people spend 90% of their time indoors, so this is a big deal.
Your family's health can be threatened by poor air.
Check out these 15 tips to purify the air you breathe at home.
TIP#1 - Ventilate - Open windows to let fresh air in.
Ventilate your kitchen
Cooking inside can lead to air pollution, especially if you're using a gas stove. Gas stoves can release high levels of nitrogen dioxide. Make sure to vent your stove outside or just crack open a kitchen window while you're cooking.
Ventilate your bathroom
Bathroom fans can help reduce moisture and prevent the growth of mold.
TIP#2 - Test for mold/control humidity
Mold can release allergens and harmful stuff called mycotoxins. Too much humidity can cause mold to grow. Try to keep humidity between 30% and 50%. You can check it with a cheap humidity and temperature monitor.
DIY MOLD INSPECTION: A visual inspection is the initial and most crucial step in detecting a potential mold issue. Examine your walls for mold growth. Inspect for moisture, such as leaks, excessive condensation on windows, and water stains on the walls. Inspect all ventilation systems, heating, and air conditioning units, especially for wet filters.
Swabs and air samples can be taken from areas most conducive to mold growth. You can order at-home kits to perform this step or have a professional do the testing. If mold is discovered, seek professional help for remediation.
TIP#3 - Houseplants
Houseplants can help reduce carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other pollutants
Plants endorsed by NASA for natural air purification.
NASA’s Clean Air Study reported that plants can absorb pollutants like ammonia, carbon dioxide, and xylene. Toxins are produced from countless sources, both at home and at work.
Houseplants not only eliminate pollutants from the air, but they also emit oxygen into the environment.
NASA has identified several plants that can improve air quality, including rubber plants, peace lilies, golden pothos, aloe vera, and weeping figs.
The closer you are to your plants, the more benefit to your lungs. If you spend significant time at a desk, try to have a nice plant near you.
TIP#4 - Reduce dust
Vacuum regularly and use a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid dry dusting to avoid breathing in dust particles while cleaning. Robots can be helpful for this task but are not necessary.
TIP#5 - Change filters
Regularly change filters in your heating system to trap dust and other allergens.
TIP#6 - Use natural cleaning products
Avoid conventional cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals.
Open windows when using cleaning products.
Choose fragrance-free products. Avoid using fragrance plug-ins.
Never mix bleach with ammonia or with other cleaners. This can create dangerous gases.
Store cleaning products safely away from children and pets.
TIP#7 - Avoid smoking
Smoking inside your home pollutes the air and can damage your home's fabric.
TIP#8 - Use air purifiers
An air purifier can remove airborne contaminants by filtering the air.
TIP#9 - Clean your air ducts, chimney, and dryer vent
Cleaning air ducts can improve air quality, reduce allergens, and make your HVAC system more efficient. This can be a DIY project, or you can hire a professional.
-Clean your chimney yearly.
-Clean your dryer vents every 2 years.
-Clean your air ducts every 5-10 years.
TIP#10 - Don't idle the car in the garage
This can lead to hazardous indoor air pollution and lethal carbon monoxide levels.
TIP#11 - Candles and Plug-In Air Fresheners
Air fresheners and paraffin wax candles can let off benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, which are connected to cancer, plus Phthalates, which mess with your hormones. Go for beeswax or soy candles instead.
TIP#12 - Keep carpeting clean
Carpets hold onto chemicals, dust mites, pet dander, dirt, and mold. Vacuuming can stir them up into the air. For better air quality, use a HEPA (high-efficiency particle air) vacuum cleaner.
TIP#13 - Keep your shoes outside the house
Kick off your shoes before coming inside. They bring in dirt, dust, and other nasty stuff. Think about having some cozy slippers just for indoors.
TIP#14 - Make safe home repairs
Use safe work practices and trained workers if repair or renovation work disturbs lead paint or asbestos.
TIP#15 - Aerate your dry cleaning
Dry cleaning gives off chemicals like perchloroethylene (PERC) and petroleum solvents into the air. These can pollute the air in your home, so make sure to air out your dry cleaning before bringing it inside.
BONUS TIP - Install a carbon monoxide detector
