8 Easy Ways To Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

The images of smog-covered skylines and factory chimneys spewing smoke are deeply ingrained in our minds when we think of air pollution. However, there's a hidden concern that frequently goes unnoticed - the quality of the air within the walls of our own homes.

It's alarming that the air we breathe indoors might be worse than what we face outside, especially when we think of our homes as safe havens. Unseen to the naked eye, our living spaces can host a wide array of pollutants such as dust, allergens, mold spores, and other harmful particles, which pose significant risks to our health and well-being.

In this blog post, we will shed light on the often-overlooked issue of indoor air quality and share surprising sources of indoor pollutants. 

What Does It Mean To Have Low Indoor Air Quality?

Low air quality within your home can be caused by a myriad of factors. Some of these factors are poor ventilation, chemical fumes from cleaning products, and even concentrated paints. These factors contribute to the low air quality in your home and can be dangerous to you and your family.

The average person spends most of their time indoors. This implies that most of the air you breathe is from the house. Thus, it's important to know how you can improve the air quality within your home.

How To Improve The Air Quality Within Your Home

There are several ways to improve the quality of air in your home. You may find some simple and easy, and others may seem more advanced or expensive. However, these tips will guide you to having a home with high-quality airflow.

1. Open Your Windows

   This may seem obvious, but the best way to improve the air quality in your home is to keep the airflow fresh. There are times of the year when you may not think this is a good idea, however. For example, leaving the windows open in the winter may not be a great idea since you are trying to keep the house warm. It is important, though, that you open your windows whenever you use a strong chemical for cleaning or painting. You will be able to ensure good ventilation this way, and the fumes of the chemicals will also be reduced within your home.

2. Stay On Top of Dust

   Dust is one of the most common household pollutants and irritants. When dust accumulates within your home, it affects the air quality. You will find that every breath you take is like breathing in dust. This may lead to all sorts of respiratory issues. However, the best way to deal with this is to get a vacuum cleaner. You may cringe at the price of a good quality vacuum cleaner, but a powerful vacuum cleaner is your best ally against dust, pollen, and pet hair. Remember to vacuum under the chairs and the beds too. It is easy to leave those places out even though they are natural habitats for dust.

   Beat cushions and flip rugs against the house's outside walls to rid them of as much dust as possible. You should change your beddings regularly and wash them thoroughly to get rid of dust and germs. You should also avoid creating clutter in the house to reduce dust accumulation on surfaces in the home.

3. Use an Air Purifier in Your Home

   Dust particles can be microscopic except when they have already accumulated. This is why you need an air purifier. The best quality air purifiers will help you trap almost all the pollutants in your home by drawing in dirty air, filtering it, and releasing it back. As a result, the air released is fresher and cleaner. Air purifiers are very useful equipment to have. They possess LED displays and always flash green when the surrounding air is clean. In addition, some purifiers neutralize airborne viruses and germs by releasing negative ions into the air.

4. Keep Your House Smoke-free

   Smoking in enclosed spaces can be dangerous. Airborne tobacco can be very toxic even after hours of being in the air. This is why it is important for you to ensure that your house is a "no smoking" zone.

   This doesn't just stop at cigarettes and tobacco. It involves candles and the burning of incense. Incense is even more damaging than candles and should be avoided.

5. Dehumidify

   Dust mites and mold prefer to inhabit locations that are warm and wet. This is why you must try to keep every surface in the house as dry as you can. You should also hang wet clothes outside to dry. In the hot and humid months of summer, run a dehumidifier to keep your air fresh and your house free of mold. 

6. Avoid Using Wood-burning Stoves

   Using a wood-burning stove exposes you and your family to air pollutants. The smoke from the stove can damage lung tissues and cause terrible respiratory issues. Instead, you should use more modern cooking equipment. They are safer and do not reduce air quality in your home.

7. Avoid Using Air Fresheners

   Air fresheners may mask bad odors. However, they also release synthetic chemicals that reduce air quality in your home. You may swap synthetic air fresheners with naturally-fragranced products.

8. Get Some House Plants

   House plants are significant in purifying the air in your home. They soak up pollutants and should be many because their effects are slow. If you need a recommendation on plants to get, you may go for peace lilies, ferns, and Devil's ivy.

Several factors affect the air quality in your home and may cause long-term or short-term respiratory issues. You should try to improve the air quality in your home to avoid this.

Want to learn more? Click here to read about 6 surprising benefits of fresh air! 

Let us know in the comments below - How do you keep your home's air fresh?