Most of us only think about the air we breathe when we have a cold, allergies, or are in a place with noticeable pollution. But with Americans spending the bulk of their time indoors, it is important to think about indoor air quality and how it can impact your overall health.
Here are some ways to improve the air quality in your home to breathe easier and more naturally every day.
Change Your Filters
There are various filters throughout a typical home that are designed to keep pollutants out of a home, but these filters get clogged and dirty over time. One major filter is the air-conditioning system, which should be changed regularly. Other filters exist in clothes dryers, kitchen vents, vacuum cleaners, and other household appliances. While you’re at it, clean out the air ducts to eliminate accumulated dust, dirt, and mold.
Turn on the Vents
There are vents in most kitchens and bathrooms that can help improve air quality too. Kitchen vents release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other substances released during cooking processes. Use bathroom vents to help eliminate moisture after showering and bathing so that mold and mildew don’t compromise air quality.
Vacuum Regularly
Pollutants often collect in the fibers of your home, so keep carpets and rugs clean by vacuuming them regularly. If you have pets that get on the furniture, vacuum these household items also to reduce the risk of dander allergies.
Decorate with Houseplants
Houseplants can serve as natural air filters and also create attractive interior spaces. Ferns, palms, and lilies are good plants to combat pollutants and add beneficial oxygen back into your rooms. Dracaena and common ivy are also good houseplants for air quality.
Try an Air Purifier
Another option to improve air quality is to buy an air purifier machine with a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) system. These machines do well at removing harmful parties from rooms and reducing your exposure to allergens, mold spores, smoke, VOCs, and excess carbon dioxide. If you have persistently damp areas of your home, you can also use a dehumidifier machine or turn on fans in your living areas.
Reduce Household Toxins
However, a preventative approach is often best for improving air quality rather than remedying a problem that already exists. You can reduce the number of pollutants that you bring into your home by rethinking your cleaning supplies and sticking to all-natural cleaning products like Seagate Olive Leaf Surface Cleaner. Avoid smoking cigarettes or vapes in the house so that secondhand smoke isn’t a factor, and choose paints and furniture that do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde. You can also purchase a simple home test kit to check the radon levels in your home and make home improvements to prevent lung-related health problems in your household.
For more DIY cleaning and household wellness tips, check out the Seagate blog.