-
Keep Surfaces Clean
A simple way to improve the air quality in your home is to keep surfaces clean.
First, make sure to have floor mats on the outside and inside of all entry doors. This will help to prevent large amounts of chemicals and pollutants from entering your home on your shoes. Don’t forget to periodically vacuum or clean the mats.
Second, utilize your vacuums to their full capability. Use a vacuum that includes a HEPA filter to clean the floors, furniture, walls, and even your mattress. Visit the A Bowl Full of Lemons website for simple tips on how to use your vacuum on furniture. This simple task will reduce the amount of toxins, allergens, dust mites, and pet dander in your home.
Lastly, use a mop to clean hard surface floors to capture any dust left behind by the vacuum.
-
Keep The Air Clean
Your heating and cooling systems recycle the air in your home over and over again. Having a clean filter and replacing it every 3-6 months is the easiest and most cost-effective way to help keep the air in your home cleaner and more comfortable. By lowering the amount of pollen, dust, and harsh chemicals you can breathe easier improving overall comfort and even sleep. For those who want to maximize their home air filtration systems consider having an electrostatic filter installed which captures even more particles than regular filters. Oh, and if there are smokers that live in the house, make sure they take that bad habit outside! Smoking indoors will wreak havoc on the indoor air quality for everyone in the home, well after the smoke has “cleared”.
-
Keep A Healthy Level Of Humidity
There are simple ways to test the humidity in your home. For less than $10 you can purchase a hygrometer, or use a glass cup and some ice.
To add humidity you can boil water, add indoor plants, or consider getting a humidifier.
To reduce humidity use an exhaust fan or crack open a window when cooking, vent the dryer outside, or consider purchasing and using a dehumidifier
-
Avoid Harsh Chemicals And Fragrances
Consider purchasing fragrance-free or naturally-scented home products. Avoid using aerosol sprays when possible, including deodorants, hair spray, carpet cleaners, and air fresheners. Old-fashioned sliced lemons and baking soda can help the kitchen smell great.
-
Make It Happen!
Right now grab a piece of paper and create a reminder to yourself to “clean the air” and put it on the fridge, or another place where you are sure to see it. Consider writing down a few of the simple ways you can improve the air quality and comfort in your home. Alternatively, add a reminder in your calendar for the last Sunday of the month, or whatever day you want to focus on cleaning the home and improving the
Having the right amount of humidity in your house can help with sinus issues, sore throats, scratchy eyes, and static electricity. Best of all, having the right amount of humidity in your home can make it feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.