Many might be mistaken in thinking that we only need to worry about air pollution outside the home. Yet, more often than not, the air quality inside our homes, offices and other indoor areas we spend a significant amount of time in can be just as bad, if not worse, than many outdoor areas. Chemical cleaners, pet dander and dust are all very common indoor allergens that can pollute the air inside our homes and negatively impact your air quality.
Below are four simple ways that you could improve the air quality inside your home.
1. Keep Floors Clean
Regularly cleaning your floors is an extremely easy way to reduce indoor pollutants. Harmful allergens such as dust mites, pollen and pet hair or dander can all accumulate on both hard floors and carpeted areas relatively quickly so using a good quality vacuum and carpet cleaner a couple of times each week is a must. Look for vacuums and carpets washers that are powerful and have rotating brushes or bristles as these will be more effective at removing allergens from even the most stubborn surfaces. When cleaning hard floors such as laminate or tile be sure to mop the area thoroughly after vacuuming as this will ensure that the moisture from the mop picks up any dust or allergens the vacuum may have missed.
Another way to keep floors clean and reduce allergens being brought into your home is to ensure that all guests remove their shoes when entering your home.
2. Aim For A Dry Indoor Environment
Dust mites and mould thrive in moist environments, so keeping the humidity inside your home to a minimum is another way to improve indoor air quality. Humidity levels anywhere between 30% and 50% will often help in keeping these harmful pollutants under control. As well as using a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air there are a number of other things that you can do such as using an extractor fan whilst cooking or using hot water. You should also avoid drying clothes inside whenever possible or ensure your clothes dryer vent is directed outside if using a tumble dryer.
3. Do Not Allow Smoking Indoors
Cigarette smoke contains an unbelievable amount of harmful chemicals so it’s no surprise that smoking indoors can drastically reduce your indoor air quality. As well as filling your home with harmful chemicals, smoking can also cause major health issues such as heart attacks, strokes and cancer. Having a strict no smoking indoors rules is the easiest and most effective way to reduce the risk of these harmful toxins lingering inside your home (and therefore your body).
4. Avoid Using Chemicals
Although cleaning products may make your home smell clean and fresh, many contain harmful chemicals and the lingering smell you love only means these chemicals are trapped inside your home. Air fresheners and laundry detergents are also common contributors to indoor air pollution. If you’re serious about improving your indoor air quality then aim to avoid cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals wherever possible. Instead, look for natural cleaning alternatives that are either fragrance-free or scented from natural ingredients such as eucalyptus. If you do need to use synthetic cleaning products then be sure to ventilate the area during and after use to help minimise chemical exposure.
As we all spend such a significant amount of time within our homes, reducing indoor allergens and pollution is as important as ever. Following the four simple tips listed above could help you protect both your home and your family from being affected by allergens, pollutants and irritants and with little to no effort at all.
