Do you think air pollution only applies to the outdoors? On the contrary, having clean air inside is just as crucial for your health. Here's how to clean home air naturally.
The average American spends approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. This can be problematic as certain pollutants in the air can be more concentrated inside than outside.
Why does that matter? To start with, poor indoor air quality can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and headaches. Prolonged exposure to air pollutants may even lead to long-term health issues. Clean home air is essential to protect your health even if you haven’t experienced any side effects.
Below are 8 easy-to-implement tips to keep your home air clean and healthy.
Household Habits for Clean Home Air
(Foto: CC0 / Unsplash / The Creative Exchange)
A few simple changes can maintain your home’s good air quality or improve it completely. Here are the basics.
- Take off your shoes: When entering your home, remove your shoes to avoid tracking in outdoor pollutants like pollen, dirt and dust. It also helps to wash your shoes every once in a while.
- Switch to all-natural cleaners: Conventional cleaning agents bring unnecessary chemicals into your home, polluting the air. Make the swap to natural cleaners, or make them yourself! Check out some of our guides here:
- Vacuum regularly: This is a no-brainer. Carpets and rugs trap dust and dirt, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will remove allergens from the air effectively. For best results, vacuum at least once a week.
- Clean up after your pet: Pet dander can be found all over your home. To combat this and keep your home air clean, vacuuming and regular dusting are essential. Keep your pet brushed and groomed to reduce dander and hairball as much as possible.
- Open your windows: Boost fresh air circulation by opening your windows at regular intervals throughout the day. In the warmer months, you can simply leave them open. This also helps decrease the humidity, making spaces less prone to mold.
- Turn on the fan when cooking: Numerous air pollutants are released when cooking on the stove, regardless of whether you have a gas or electric appliance. Open a window or turn on the vent or fan when cooking to maintain clean home air.
Naturally Clean Air at Home
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / leonardoiheme)
Sometimes, just changing your habits isn’t enough to properly clean home air, so you may need to rely on other methods. They don’t have to be expensive, but they can make a noticeable difference in air quality.
7. Get your ducts cleaned: Air ducts distribute air throughout the home. If they are dirty, the air will be dirty too. For clean, healthy air, get your air ducts cleaned at least once a year.
8. Keep houseplants: Not only are houseplants known to boost mood, they also clean the air in homes and offices. If you have pets, you’ll want to get pet-friendly plants.
Why Avoid Chemical Air Fresheners?
(Foto: CC0 / Unsplash / Luigi Manga )
The name air freshener is a bit misleading because the majority of them mask odors instead of destroying them. Chemical air fresheners release volatile organic compounds, chemicals that easily turn into gas at room temperature. They can also interact with impurities already in the air to create secondary pollutants, some of which can be detrimental to health with prolonged exposure.
If you notice strange odors in your home, get to the root of the problem. Masking the odor with air fresheners, candles, wax melts, fabric sprays and plug-ins won’t clean home air or fix the issue in the long run.
If you’d like to enjoy fresh scents naturally, it’s best to go the homemade route with all-natural DIY air freshener, a DIY oil diffuser or even learn how to make scented candles at home.
For more information on natural cleaning and sanitation remedies, check out our popular cleaning guides!
Read more:
- How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar, Lemon & Other Natural Cleaners
- What is Vastu? How the “Yoga of Design” Brings Harmony to Your Home
- How to Remove the Smoke Smell from Your House
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