Usually, we associate air pollution with outside pollutants. But that’s not always the case. The scary truth is that your home can be filled with indoor air pollutants as we speak. And it gets even scarier. Most of the time, you don’t even notice it until inside air pollution becomes a problem that blows up in your face.
The indoor air isn’t as healthy and clean like we expect it to be. It can be worse than inhaling outdoor air. And yet 90% of us are spending most of our day indoors, especially true with the virus still at large. To add injury to insult, things can become even more alarming as the chill of winter marches forward. Why? Quite simply because most of our doors and windows are shut closed to prevent the cold breeze from infiltrating our home.
But don’t press that panic button just yet. There are many ways to rid your home of these indoor air pollutants. What follows are time-proven tips to improve your home’s indoor air quality or IAQ in a jiffy.
Keep Your House Clean
Truth be told, you cannot eliminate air pollutants. But you can do something to put them to the utmost minimum.
For instance, by keeping your house clean, you can cut down animal dander and dust. Regular cleaning is a great way not only to up your home aesthetics, but it also serves as a tried-and-tested way to improve indoor hygiene.
To do this, you should vacuum your area rugs and carpets at least twice a week. A vacuum cleaner with a built-in HEPA filter is a must-have for family homes. HEPA means high-efficiency particulate air. Using these government-approved electric cleaners traps such pesky small particles as allergens, dust mites, and pet dander. In the process, HEPA filters are timely allergy relief.
But you can only do so much at a time. In this regard, relying on cleaning professionals could be wise. Armed with the right tools and extensive experience, these cleaners ensure you get a clean and healthy home in no time. Plus, you need not rack your brain to factor comfort into your precious abode with their help. In short, you save time and, in the process, save money.
Increase Kitchen Ventilation
You may not realize it, but many air pollutants are associated with the kitchen. No kidding! Whenever we use our gas stoves, they release harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into the surrounding air. And given the countless times we cook, these contaminants can easily occupy our bloodstream over time.
The solution? Get into the habit of opening your windows and turning on your vents in the kitchen. By doing these simple steps, you can both help filter out harmful contaminants and improve your home’s air quality.
Max Indoor Plants
If you think plants are just sitting in your house as mere decoration, then you are sorely mistaken. Buying indoor plants can improve the overall indoor air quality of your home. Plants like lilies, palm trees, and ferns are some of the best indoor plants you can take care of. They are very efficient in pulling the contaminants out of the air. That way, they are a beneficial addition to your home. Indeed, plants are, after all, a natural air purifier.
No Smoking Indoors
We all have heard about second-hand smoking. And believe it or not, it is one of the most crucial aspects when it comes to indoor air pollution. How come? That’s because a single puff of cigarette smoke carries more than 4,000 harmful chemicals, not to mention 60 carcinogens. And if your family is subject to such pollution over a long period, they are a high risk of experiencing many health problems such as asthma and cancer.
Indeed, it is tough to quit smoking when you’re already used to it. Still, there are many treatments and medications to combat this habit. And in doing so, not only do you put your overall health a notch higher, but you also get rid of indoor air pollutants that are affecting your home. It’s a win-win of the highest order.
