The air you breathe is vital to your well-being. If your air quality is poor, you can get sick, develop long-lasting health issues, and it can also cause your appliances to malfunction, potentially leading to other, more serious problems. The solution is to ensure that you’re getting clean air into your home to improve the quality without using harmful chemicals.
Open Up
The most cost-effective way to improve air quality in your home is to open the windows. Opening your windows for five minutes each day can help alleviate some of the pollutants in your house. Another helpful tip is always to leave the windows open when cleaning, especially when using chemicals in cleaning supplies.
Get Planting
Numerous houseplants can help improve the air quality in your home. Spider plants, for instance, are a great option because they help reduce formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and benzene. Other plants that offer benefits are the jade plant, the Caribbean tree cactus, and the Decaena. Each of these plants works hard to ensure that you get a healthy living environment.
Candles
You may not know it, but many of the candles available in stores (even high-end stores) can contain carcinogens. The more you burn them, the worse your air quality becomes. A solution that can help is using beeswax candles, if you choose to do so. While more studies are needed to determine the extent to which beeswax can purify the air, it is suggested that it does help to some degree.
No Mold
Keeping your house free from mold is another way to maintain your health. Mold thrives in dark, damp spaces, including basements, attics, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and other areas. To counteract this, be mindful of the products you use in your home. Try to use chemical-free options to eliminate any mold you see.
Shoes
The dirt and other particles you encounter regularly can create issues for your home. When you walk inside, you bring them in with you. The best thing to do is to clean the bottom of your shoes when you get home and ensure that you’re not wearing them inside the house, as this allows bacteria to spread throughout the home.
Grooming
Pet skin cells are found everywhere in your home. If you have a dog that sheds hair, you’ll find it all over as well. This can exacerbate symptoms such as asthma, and if you already have it, it can send you running straight for your inhaler. By keeping your pet groomed and brushing them outdoors, you can help keep the quality of your air cleaner.
Air Purifier
A purifier can be a great way to reduce harmful particles in your air. This is particularly true if anyone in your home has asthma, and it is essential to have one for your children if they suffer from it. If you use the guide offered by the EPA, you’ll be able to determine which air purifier is best for your family.
Oil
Many people love cooking, but when you burn oil and the smoke enters your home, it starts affecting the air quality. The stove you use is essential. Natural gas is notorious for increasing your nitrogen dioxide pollution indoors. Try cooking with a light olive oil or a cooking oil that has a higher smoke point.
No Chemicals
Store-bought household cleaners can get the job done; however, they irritate the lungs, eyes, nose, and throat, among other areas. If you must use them, open the windows. Opt for more natural ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar, or essential oils, if you prefer. Additionally, many eco-friendly companies offer products with minimal to no chemical content.
Furniture
Furniture can contain volatile organic compounds that linger and harm your air. For instance, toluene and benzene are found in materials such as fabric, construction materials, and glue. When you buy a chair or sofa, it may emit these VOCs. To avoid this, let your furniture air out by keeping the windows open when possible for about three months or by storing it in a garage for a week or two. However, used furniture is less likely to have VOCs, as it has likely been off-gassed.
Cleaner Air
No one wants to worry about the quality of their air or live somewhere that could make them or their family sick. If you follow these tips, you should enjoy cleaner air and a safer environment. Remember, it only takes small changes to make a significant difference almost immediately.
