To improve indoor air quality, there are actually many ways. The information given later in this article is carefully based on current technical and scientific understanding.
They are easy to follow and importantly, the advice will offer ultimate protection against many health hazards caused by indoor air pollution.
Keep it clean
Though you can’t eliminate utterly all indoor irritants and allergens, the more they are cut down, the better the indoor air quality.
The easiest and also the best way to do that is frequent cleaning.
In detail, cleaning can decrease the accumulation of dust lurking, mold, and pet dander in your house. Oh, don’t think that just because you don’t raise a pet means there is no pet dander indoor, at your house.
Wrong, humans!
According to David Lang, MD, head of Allergy/Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic, pet owners carry a huge amount of pet dander on their clothes and carry them throughout the day. That’s the way to expand pet dander to the people even don’t have pets.
So, how to clean a home properly:
Vacuuming your house at least twice a week, using a good vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Pay attention to the area rugs and carpets (especially the hard-surface flooring) since these places usually contain lots of molds, dust, and pet dander.
Remove clutter and keep your house neat, well-organized and at least furniture as possible because clutter is the best shelter of dust.
Wash your drapes, bedding, and other items that are a potentially hidden place of allergens.
It’s best to wash them in warm to boiling water (at least 130 degrees F) to get rid of them entirely (advised by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology).
If possible, choosing the covers equipped with dust mite-proof features on your box springs, mattresses, and pillows.
Take advantage of natural cleansing products
While looking for the right way to clean your house, it’s worth considering to choose the proper cleaning products as well.
Industrial cleaners are known for their ultimate cleaning performance but at the same time, they leave an unexpected residue, leaving some side effects to the indoor air quality. That’s why I advise choosing natural ones.
They might be baking soda, vinegar, or lemon. The cleaning capability is the same but furthermore, they leave no toxic or side effects behind.
Install trickle ventilator
It seems not efficient anymore to just open the door and windows of your house to refresh the interior air, especially when you’re living in a crowded city.
The best way now is to use a trickle ventilator.
This device still allows exterior air getting in the house but through a filter beforehand to keep back all impurities and ensure just flowing pure air inside.
It’s best to install it in your cooking area, like the kitchen as this is where air pollution is prone to introduce into your house.
Replace the filters
Electrostatic filters are a two-edged sword that can trap airborne irritants and dust whereas spread them out if being too dirty or clogged.
Therefore, if you have an air purifier or a forced-air heating system, you should change their filters frequently. This is also the advice of Dr. Nicholas BuSaba, associate professor of otolaryngology at Harvard -Medical School.
Take note of cleaning the ducts also to keep them work their best.
Beeswax candles
You know what, pollutants, dust, pollen, and dirt carry a positive charge while when burning, beeswax candles release negative ions.
And guess it, these negative ions will suck these junk in the air into the candles or at least, making them fall from suspension. In other words, beeswax candles are an air purifier in an eco-friendlier and more affordable way.
Not to say that while eliminating contaminants at your home, these natural candles emit a safe fragrance to create a cozy ambiance.
DIY essential oil mixture
It’s not hard to try this method while you can get rid of bad odors and allergens off your house, improving the indoor air quality.
But take notice that the essential oil should be mixed or used properly to make use of all their benefits. You can invest a small essential oil diffuser or DIY one for your house.
Or, another cheaper way is spraying them around your house, following this recipe:
20 drops lemon essential oil + 20 drops pine essential oil + ½ cup witch hazel + ½ cup strong rosemary infusion
Pour the mixture in a spritzer bottle, blend it up, and spray away.
Choose indoor plants wisely
Some indoor plants not only can provide additional oxygen but also remove toxins, irritants, and allergens off your house. Not to mention their green looking addition.
And they are:
- English Ivy
- Bamboo Palm
- Warneckii Dracaena
- Corn Plant/ Mass cane
- Red Edged Dracaena
- Janet Craig Dracaena
- Gerbera Daisy
Salt lamps
Another natural way to purify the indoor air in your home is by using a salt lamp.
It’s actually a huge mass of Himalayan salt and when lighting it on, the lamp will release negative ions – same operating process as the beeswax candles but way more effective.
This is actually a favorite way to heal asthma for people who are suffering this health hazard but the air-purifying function can’t be ignored, can it?
Conclusion
That’s all for this article. Thanks a lot for reading.
If you also wonder the best way to keep your house dry and warm this winter, it’d better take several months of preparation. And, my article “How to keep your home warm and dry this winter” might be helpful for you.
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I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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