Simple Hacks to Enhance Indoor Air Quality
The American Lung Association points out that indoor air can be even more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution is a significant health risk for many people living at home. Poor indoor air quality can be caused by many factors, such as poor ventilation, dust, mold, and smoke, as well as other household gases and irritants. So, you need to test your indoor air quality. You can learn here for more information. This may not be a big deal for healthy people, but for people with upper respiratory conditions like asthma, it can make a big difference. You don’t need complicated measures to improve indoor air quality. Nor does it have to be complicated. Here are some practical ways to keep the air in your home clean and fresh.
Clean Your Home
Dust can build up in your home and cause allergies and chemical reactions. To remove dust from carpets and floors, sweep or vacuum at least twice a week. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to keep dust out of the exhaust. Remember to clean the filter as well. To remove dust from the vacuum or broom, mop the floor with water.
Dusting is not only crucial for the floor. Walls, furniture, and appliances are also necessary. If you live in a country like the Philippines, where electric fans are widespread, you should vacuum the floor at least twice a month. It would help if you also vacuumed the filters of refrigerators and air conditioners at least once a week. Have an air conditioning technician clean and check the entire unit once or twice a year.
Control the Moisture
To prevent mold and control allergens, humidity should be below 50%. A dehumidifier can be used if necessary, but there are also simple ways to reduce humidity. Use soap and warm water to remove mold. Dry the area thoroughly afterward. If mold is persistent, professional cleaning may be needed.
Make Sure to Have Proper Ventilation
Adequate ventilation involves removing contaminants from interior spaces and letting fresh air into the home. This can be done by opening windows. This is especially important when cleaning, cooking, or working with chemicals. To improve the removal of particles and fumes to the outside, exhaust fans can be installed in bathrooms and kitchens if you have the budget. If appliances require ventilation grills, these should be installed outside. Attic or window fans can also be used to bring fresh air into the home.
Add Natural Air Freshener
Many people use fragrances to freshen their bathroom, kitchen, hair, and clothes. These sprays, air fresheners, and other scents can be made with petroleum products that may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They can affect air quality and cause allergic reactions. To keep your home fresh and clean, you can also open windows to let fresh air in and remove toxic chemicals. You can make a homemade deodorizer with lemon slices and herbs such as lavender and eucalyptus. Baking soda, white vinegar, and charcoal can be used to remove unpleasant odors.
Add Greeneries
In science class, we learned that plants absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. Indoor plants can have a positive effect on air quality. However, some plants can clean the air. According to NASA research, these plants absorb chemical pollutants from the air. Some plants have air-purifying properties. These include Aloe vera and Spider plants, Gerber daisy, Snake plants, Golden pothos, and Azaleas.
