The quality of your indoor air is essential and can impact your well-being. Although you may not be able to easily determine your indoor air quality only by sniffing, other signs indicate it needs improvement. According to research, carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, so your home’s indoor air can be compromised without your knowledge. So, if you have a poorly-adjusted gas stove, this harmful air could be 30 ppm or higher in your home. However, you can take simple steps to improve your home’s air quality, including those outlined below.
1. Regular cleaning and dusting
This simple step can go a long way to rid your home of pollutants that can compromise air quality. That fine powdery layer you see on the floors and all other surfaces contains more than the ordinary eyes can see. They comprise dead skin cells, pet dander, microorganisms, and other airborne particles. Therefore, dusting and vacuuming surfaces in your home is necessary. These include carpets, furniture, curtains, and everything exposed to indoor air. The trick to cleaning dust effectively is to use a damp microfiber cloth. A dry one will lift dust particles into your indoor air and contaminate it further. It would be best to use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter. These filters are better than the standard types because they are designed to trap the tiniest particles in your phone. Even better, a HEPA filter stops the re-circulation of dust into the air, which benefits everyone at home, particularly those with respiratory allergies. Allergens come in many forms, making it important to know what they are and how to eliminate them. The cleaner the air, the less allergy triggers.
2. Embrace natural ventilation
Are your home’s windows constantly shut in the hope of keeping dust out? Although this may seem like the best step, it has some disadvantages and can make your interior feel stuffy. Natural ventilation allows outside air into your home to remove stagnant air and pollutants. However, if you live in a heavily polluted location and don’t want to take chances opening your windows, installing air purifiers at home is recommended. Like vacuum cleaners, air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) filters are best for the job. These are created to trap pollen, smoke particles, and the tiniest air pollutants you can imagine.
On the other hand, if your location is clean, natural ventilation is highly recommended. Remember to draw back your curtains or drapes when the windows open to prevent blockage of clean air. You will enjoy the benefits of cleaner air at home and worry less about any respiratory problems that pollutants may trigger. Plus, you’ll let in more natural light, which can help boost your mood and give your interior a more cheerful atmosphere.
3. Invest in quality vent hoods in your kitchen
According to research, homes with gas stoves have higher concentrations of carbon monoxide than those without. This odorless gas is predominantly found in faulty appliances, gas-powered equipment, and electrical devices. Because the kitchen tends to have all these, it is easy to conclude that this area of the home holds the potential for highly polluted air. Fortunately, there is a way to resolve this problem, and it’s through range hoods. Also known as vent hoods, this equipment is installed a distance above your stove to trap cooking pollutants, steam, and grease particles. By capturing these harmful particles, your home’s air quality improves, helping you and others to breathe better indoors. However, before investing in a vent hood, you should decide whether you prefer the ducted or ductless type. The latter uses a filter to trap, clean, and recirculate air indoors. The ducted type, however, is created to vent air outside your home to improve indoor air quality. Knowing the differences will help you choose the right type for your home.
4. Use indoor plants to purify and improve air quality
As science reveals, you breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, while the process is vice versa for plants, as they exhale oxygen and take in carbon dioxide. This exchange is essential and immensely benefits your health, making indoor plants an excellent addition to your home. Some plants are also known to absorb pollutants besides carbon dioxide. For example, the Bamboo Palm and the English Ivy can absorb large volumes of formaldehyde and benzene. So, before choosing indoor plants, research which ones are ideal for your home. Remember that some indoor plants are poisonous, so those must be avoided if you have pets and young children at home.
You can improve your home’s air quality when proactive with cleaning and all other measures, including those listed above.
Candid Mama
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