6 Simple Steps to healthier indoor air
Pet dander, pollen, and dust mites often cause unhealthy indoor air. Keeping the indoor air quality clean is important, especially if you have anyone with asthma living in the home. There are other things that can cause your indoor air to be unhealthy like cigarette smoke, fire retardants, radon, and chemicals. Here are 6 simple steps you can take toward having healthier indoor air:
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Step # 1 - Clean your home
Keeping your home clean is important for everyone. Instead of using cleaners that have harmful chemicals, consider using natural cleaners. Target and many other retailers have begun selling natural cleaners that do all the hard work of cutting grease and rust. The best part about these cleaners is that they will not harm the ozone and they definitely will not hurt the air quality in your home.
Vacuum at least once a week, if not twice a week. Dust mites and pollen can get stuck in the fabric of your carpets, causing them to get kicked up each time you walk around. Even if you don't have any pets, you may still have some pet dander that is stuck to the carpet. Previous home owners may have had pets and people that come over to your home usually have pet dander attached to their clothing. Vacuuming often is the best way to get rid of dust mites and pet dander.
It is also important to dust your home. Dust can be visible on some surfaces, but it's not always easy to spot. You need to remember to dust all the surfaces in your home, not just the wood. Light fixtures, shelves, and window sills can all collect dust quickly.
Tip # 2 - Use an air purifier
If you are concerned about the air quality in your home or you have someone living there that has asthma, you should purchase an air purifier. An air purifier will trap all the things that are floating around in the air that reduce the air quality. You will be surprised to see all the dust, dirt, and other things that end up trapped inside the air purifier when you need to change the filter.
Tip # 3 - No Smoking Please
A simple way to increase the quality of air in your home is to make a no smoking rule. You may have friends that like to smoke so simple ask them to smoke outside at least 50 feet away from your home so the central air system doesn't suck the smoke back into your home. If you have trouble breathing, having a smoker in the home is only going to worsen your condition.
Tip # 4 - Ventilation
Proper ventilation in your home is another way to keep the air quality healthy. Open up the windows to allow some fresh air inside. Make sure you change the air filters on your heater and central air system or the pads on your swamp cooler. It is also important to have low humidity levels in the home. Keep the levels around 25-30% to keep your air quality fresh. Too much humidity is a breeding ground for mold, which can cause severe health problems. If you are painting, always make sure there is plenty of ventilation in the home.
Tip # 5 - Radon Testing
Older homes usually have problems with radon. Radon is an odorless gas that increases your risk of developing lung cancer. Smokers usually have a high level of radon in their home but it can develop in the soil around your home. Cracks in the foundation are usually where the radon problem starts. Having your home tested at least once every 3-5 years will help you keep your air quality pure.
Tip # 6 - Goodbye to candles and scents
Candles usually have a chemical they emit to make your home smell better. While you may enjoy the smell, they can actually cause air quality problems. Naturally scented products are healthier and they can still make your home smell nice. A lot of people have begun grinding up lemons in their garbage disposal to make the kitchen smell nice and clean. Another thing you can look for is a plant that emits a nice smell like a miniature pine tree.
