The air you breathe at home is important not just for you but for the people who live with you.
The air you breathe every day is essential to your health, more than you could ever know. You may have allergies or colds constantly without knowing the cause. Your sickness may be due to the poor quality of air in your home. Allergens and toxic gases may enter your home through external or internal causes like molds, dust, and dirt.
Here are eight easy ways to improve air quality in your home.
1. Clean Your Home Regularly
If you notice dust accumulating on top of shelves, tables, couches and other furniture, it’s time to do some cleaning. Allergies may be caused by the dust you inhale, so dusting and cleaning your house weekly is necessary. For people with asthma, dust can trigger asthma attacks or allergies which can put your loved ones at risk. It’s time to bring out your vacuum cleaner and some clean cloths to keep your house dust free and tidy!
2. Open Windows and Doors When Able
When temperature and humidity levels permit, open your windows even for a few minutes to allow proper ventilation to carry pollutants outside. Opening your windows will also help reduce high moisture levels indoors contributing to mold and degrading air quality.
3. Fill Your Home with Plants
Our bodies naturally exhale the carbon dioxide plants need. Plants turn carbon dioxide into oxygen and, according to NASA, are the best source of natural air purification. NASA did a study to determine the best plants for air purification, stating “plants can purify and rejuvenate air within our houses and workplaces, safeguarding us all from any side effects connected with prevalent toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia and also benzene.” The study presented the top five plants for clean air:
4. Use Chemical Free Cleaners
For the best home and personal care, use non-toxic household cleaning products to keep your air clean and your family or housemates free from any toxins. Non-toxic products won’t release gas which can alter the air you breathe.
5. Use Salt Crystal Lamps
Salt crystal lamps purify air and reduce allergens, fungi, and bacteria. The negative ions from the salt crystals create a fresher breathing experience. The negative ions recreate the freshness of salt in the air just like it would on the beach.
6. Groom Your Pets… Regularly
Pets shed a great deal of fur or waste depending on the kind of animal. They spread bacteria and molds in different places in your home. Give them regular baths and clean their areas often to lessen the production of pollutants in the air.
7. Get an Air Purifier
If you’re not one for plants and love technology, getting an air purifier could be perfect for you. There are plenty of air purifiers in the market today, and all you have to do is choose.
8. Control the Moisture in Your Home
High humidity levels indoors may cause mold growth and destroy indoor air quality. To keep your house at the right humidity, you should strive to keep your interior at 40-45% humidity. If you go below 30%, your home will be too dry, and if you go over 50%, you will contribute to mold growth. You may use a dehumidifier to balance the moisture levels indoors.
When you have water damage or leaks, take immediate action to remove the water and dry up the affected areas. Molds grow fast, so you have to beat them to it!
When you take a bath, keep the exhaust running for 10 minutes after to keep moisture under control.
If you over water your plants, you might encourage mold growth, so give your plants the right amount of water.
To get the freshest air for your health, follow these tips and go outdoors often! Go to the countryside, the mountains or the beach to get a fresh breeze instead of being cooped up in your home.
Remember, clean air promotes healthy living!
Take care of yourself and your home by getting the fresh air you need!
Aimee Harris-Newon, Psy.D., D.A.B.P.S., C.Ht