Whether you often stay indoors or outdoors, the air quality you breathe can have a crucial impact on your health. Constant exposure to poor air quality can result in various adverse effects on your body, including asthma, allergy attacks and even cancer.
There are various reasons why indoor air can become polluted. Aside from the furnishings and building materials that release pollutants in the air, smoking and cleaning can also cause the same effects because of the harmful chemicals used for each task—even using a scented air freshener spray doesn’t entirely as it only masks the smell. But how do you ensure that the air you breathe remains clean and free of chemicals?
Steps in maintaining an excellent indoor quality
Keep your windows open
The simplest and easiest way to improve your indoor air quality is to open the windows. Even simply opening your windows for five minutes can help prevent the accumulation of harmful air pollutants from your indoor space. You can also keep your windows cracked open when you’re sleeping to allow the air to pass through.
Get some houseplants
Various houseplants can help absorb common volatile organic compounds to keep your indoor air clean. For instance, houseplants, such as the spider plant, filter benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde from the air while reducing the toxic vapours within your space. Aside from using air purifiers, these plants can also effectively remove carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from indoor environments.
Use oil diffusers
Not all diffusers are meant only to make your room smell good. A few essential essentials, like tea tree oil, have antibacterial elements, which you can add to your DIY household cleaners. What’s even great is that you can apply it to your skin when you have a small cut. You can also use clover and eucalyptus to treat dust mites at home.
Choose beeswax candles
Not all candles are the same. Unlike regular wax, beeswax contains fewer chemicals that can potentially cause health risks when inhaled. Remember that minuscule particles and chemicals are floating in the air. When used, regular wax releases ultrafine particles, which may cause adverse effects in the air. Fortunately, aside from using beeswax candles as an alternative solution, some plants can also filter these toxic elements from the air.
Regularly groom your pets
Pet dander is the top problem for many homeowners living with pets. When exposed, these tiny particles can cause a person to develop asthma-like symptoms or aggravate asthma for those who already have it. So, keeping their pets cleaned regularly is an excellent solution for homeowners who have pets. It would be best to also consider brushing them outdoors regularly to let the pet fur outside. Also, vacuuming the floors with a HEPA filter can help.
Use the AC
Many people may not know it, but centralised air conditioning is already an effective indoor air filtration system that you can readily use. It generally pulls the air out of your house, cools it, and then pumps it back inside. Most AC systems come with filters that can effectively trap dirt and other allergens from the air. Although you need to change it regularly, it does its job exceptionally well.
Use non-toxic chemicals for cleaning
Many household cleaners are on the market today, but only a handful uses non-toxic chemicals. So, if possible, look at the components of your cleanser and see if they can cause adverse effects on your health. Some toxic chemicals can cause nose, eyes, and throat irritation when regularly exposed. You can also consider making your cleaners using ingredients that you can find at home, such as vinegar and baking soda.
Use an air purifier
Another way to manage your indoor air is by using an air purifier. These air filtration devices effectively reduce the harmful pathogens and other particles from the air. It does so by trapping these foreign particles with its filter to prevent them from spreading. You can also pair it with a humidifier if the air is dry inside your home.
Think about renovations wisely
Renovation projects can also help you make your indoor air a lot cleaner and more manageable. For instance, choosing hard surface floors prevents pet dander and dirt from getting trapped instead of using carpets. You can also select formaldehyde-free cabinetry to avoid exposure to toxins. Even decorating your home with blinds instead of curtains can attract less dust. Meanwhile, you can also consider using a gas cooking range and an exhaust fan to let the carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals away from your home.
Choose cooking oils wisely
Every cooking oil is different. So, choose the cooking oil that smokes at higher temperatures to prevent your kitchen from getting filled with smoke and get covered with the smell of burnt oil. Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than avocado and canola. So, if you do prefer using one, consider choosing a light olive oil with a higher smoke point. It’s also worth mentioning that the stove that you’re cooking on also affects the air that you breathe. Natural gas emits nitrogen dioxide into the atmosphere, which pollutes your indoor air.
Allow your new furniture to air out
Volatile organic compounds are chemicals often found in the air in various objects such as paints, construction materials, and even fabric. So, when you purchase a new piece of furniture, such as a sofa, except that it’ll emit VOCs at first. That’s why it’s highly advisable to temporarily store it outside for a week or keep the windows in that room open to let the chemicals escape.
The bottomline
Keeping your indoor air cleaner can be challenging. But if you’re smart about refining your home’s air quality, rest assured that everyone in your home’s health will greatly benefit. So, consider finding ways to suit your lifestyle and see how it goes. Whether you prefer appliances, an air filter, houseplants, or essential oils, there are plenty of ways to help maintain cleaner indoor air for the rest of your family.
