A house filled with indoor pollution and allergens is unhealthy and not hygienic. Dust levels hit their peak during the winter months when homes are sealed shut against the cold. Spring and summer are good times to freshen up and improve indoor air quality in your living space.
It is often tempting to put off cleaning chores when the weather is nice. However, it is important to clean consistently in order to keep indoor air pollutants under control. A good idea to start is conducting a home air quality test. Additional tips on how to keep your home air quality crisp and clean are as follows:
Keep your home clear of dust:
Dust regularly with a damp cloth instead of a messy feather duster that only displaces unwanted matter, putting it back into the air. Don’t neglect hard to reach areas like the top of the refrigerator, high shelves, and ceiling fans. Also, use a quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for optimal cleaning.
Bathe your pets and their bedding:
When the weather is cold and pets spend less time outdoors, more fur and dander accumulates all over the house. Be sure to wash and groom your furry animals regularly. Thoroughly clean their bedding frequently in hot water and make bedrooms off limits to pets.
Open your windows:
On warm days, cool days, every day, open the windows and let fresh air circulate. This particularly important while you are cooking, cleaning or painting. If the temperature is too frigid, run fans keep the air moving. Always use the exhaust while cooking to keep noxious vapors and smoke from lingering in the air.
Plan renovations wisely:
When you think about remodeling, consider air quality when making your selections. Choose hard surface flooring instead of carpets for easier clean-up. Stay away from curtains and install blind that attract a lot less dust. Include houseplants in your décor to add natural beauty and help improve indoor air quality.
Purchase and air purifier:
It is a good idea to buy an air purifier. There are many models available ranging from smaller units to larger, more extensive systems that cover the whole house. Look for the seal of approval from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturer’s when shopping for the best product. Make sure the unit you purchase works well in your room sizes and provides the level of purification you desire.
Monitor and replace filters:
Check and replace heating and cooling system filters regularly to minimize the presence of indoor air pollutants. Install an electrostatic filter that will capture more airborne pollutants that standard filters. Air quality testing and filter replacements may be done at the same time.
Launder household fabrics regularly:
Wash bedding, fabric shower curtains and drapes frequently in the hottest water allowed. Fabric materials tend to harbor dust mites. Always launder new clothing and other fabrics before using them to remove chemicals from the manufacturing process.
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