We spend maximum time in the comfort of our homes. So, the indoor air we breathe should be clean, fresh, and free from bacteria and germs.
The air inside our homes sometimes tends to be more polluted than the outdoor air. The exposure to polluted air for a prolonged period may lead to severe health hazards for adults as well as children. In fact, it is harmful to those suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, etc.
Thus, along with the control of outdoor air pollution, it is essential and equally important to take measures to help improve the indoor air quality.
Here we have listed a few easy ways to help improve indoor air quality. So, without wasting any more time, let us take a look at these measures.
Easy Ways to Help Improve Indoor Air Quality
Buy an Air Purifier
This is one of the most effective ways of purifying the air of your home. There are various air purifiers available in the market. Choose the best deal and place it in the most commonly used area of your house.
Ionic air purifiers help capture allergens that cause allergies and other respiratory issues. Also, ensure that you get a de-humidifier for the damp areas of your home. It helps in preventing the growth of mold. A de-humidifier will also keep the humidity levels at check during summers.
Your bathroom is another source of dampness. So, it should be ventilated and de-humidified at all times.
Ventilation
Airflow and proper ventilation are essential to maintain the quality of air. You are advised to open your doors and windows of your house regularly for air circulation. This removes the stagnant air and replaces it with fresh air. Follow this even during the cold winter months to allow fresh air to move into your home.
However, if you live in a polluted and crowded city, then this would be polluting the indoor air more. In such cases, open the windows late at night or early morning since the pollution level is the lowest during these times.
You could install a trickle ventilator near your doors or windows. These devices include filters that clean and purify the air entering your home. The best place to install ventilators is your kitchen since cooking is the primary source of indoor air pollution. Moreover, these devices enhance your cooking experience as they prevent the smell of burning spices, which cause respiratory distress.
Clean the Air Conditioners
Air conditioners dry out the air of the room and refresh the stagnant air. This helps in improving the indoor air quality effectively. Also, all the modern air conditioners utilize the latest innovative technologies and filters that clean the air. These filters remove impurities, pollen, dust, germs, and bacteria.
However, you must clean these filters at regular intervals so that you don’t have to compromise on the quality of air at home. The manual provided with the AC mentions the instructions, which you need to follow while cleaning the filters.
Keep your Home Clean
Dust and dirt lead to poor air quality at home. Not only do they cause allergies, but they also make you feel tired and lethargic. These contaminants are mostly found on fabrics, including sheets, bedding, cushions, pillows, and curtains. Also, they linger around for a long time until you clean these fabrics.
Hence, you should clean and wash your sheets, curtains, and other items regularly. Use hot water for washing purposes as it is capable of killing germs and viruses. This is also necessary to maintain good health and hygiene.
If you have pets at home, then you need to vacuum your bed, sofa regularly, and floor to prevent the accumulation of pet hair. This is the primary cause of respiratory distress and allergies.
You are advised to vacuum the rugs and carpet area at least once or twice a week. Use a vacuum cleaner that comes with a HEPA filter as it is more effective in removing contaminants. Also, remove clutter as it traps dust and pollutants.
Indoor Plants Can Help
Indoor plants add a touch of greenery to your home décor. However, they are capable of collecting and growing mold. This increases the level of air pollution at home so you should avoid them.
On the other hand, some indoor plants help in improving the indoor air quality as they release oxygen. They remove toxins from the air, allowing you to breathe in fresh and clean air. Let us take a look at a few examples of these plants.
- English Ivy
- Bamboo Palm
- Janet Craig Dracaena
- Gerbera Daisy
- Mass Cane/Corn Plant
- Red Edged Dracaena
- Warneckii Dracaena
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
You will need cleaning products to clean your home. These products will help in eliminating dust and other impurities. However, ensure that the cleaning products you use are chemical-free and made of non-toxic compounds. These elements might leave a residue that deteriorates the quality of air.
Ensure that the products are eco-friendly and safe to use, especially around children. Use natural cleaning agents like lemon, baking soda, and vinegar to make your home sparkle. These products leave no toxic and harmful footprints behind.
Also, the laundry detergents and bathroom cleaners should be fragrant-free as the fragrances may affect those suffering from asthma and allergies.
Avoid smoking at Home
Avoid smoking inside your house. Also, prevent guests and other members of your family from smoking at home. Cigarettes are a source of second-hand smoke, which not only causes odor but also leads to severe health risks like lung cancer and asthma. If you need to smoke, then you are advised to take a break and smoke outdoors.
Natural Air Purifiers- Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles include purifying properties as they release negative ions. The contaminants and impurities of the air come with positively charged ions. So, when you burn these candles, the negative ions are released to cause the positive ions to fall from suspension.
Moreover, beeswax candles are 100% natural and toxin-free. They improve the quality of air while enhancing the ambiance with a sweet fragrance. Also, these candles burn slowly so you will not have to replace them often.
Salt Lamps
You can also opt for a salt lamp is you don’t wish to burn candles. You can create these lamps by placing a light source in a large mass of Himalayan pink salt. The salt emits negative ions when lit and pulls out the toxins from the environment.
The negative ions will fight the positive ions of the contaminants and impurities that cause allergies. This is an effective way of reducing symptoms of asthma. There have been reports of individuals with asthma showing reduced symptoms.
Activated Charcoal Improves Air Quality
Activated charcoal is a safe way of improving the quality of air. It has been used since decades.
Many air purifier filters come with activate carbon filters to remove air contaminants and impurities. You also find activated charcoal in HEPA filters used in vacuum cleaners and air conditioners. Hence, it is a fast and effective way of improving indoor air quality.
Ensure there is No Leakage
Water caused due to leakage may lead to the growth of mold, which affects air quality. It also affects those with allergies and asthma. Hence, ensure that there is no leakage at home.
Check your appliances and immediately call a technician to fix the issue if you find a leak. This will improve the air quality while keeping you and your family safe.
Remove Shoes
Avoid wearing your shoes inside your house since they carry coal tar, dust, pollen, toxins, bacteria, and other impurities. You wouldn’t want to bring in the outdoor impurities inside your home, right? Hence, remove your shoes and leave them outside.
Conclusion
Keeping your family safe should be your number one priority. Also, home is a place where every individual feels a sense of security and comfort. Hence, you need to keep your safe haven clean and hygienic at all times.
The air we breathe indoors needs to be clean and pure. This article explains a few easy ways of improving the quality of the air of your room. Air that is free from germs, impurities, dust, and bacterial is safe for those with respiratory issues like asthma and COPD.
In fact, preventive measures and regular maintenance of hygiene is essential. These measures will safeguard you and other members of your family from developing respiratory distress and other health issues.
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Author Bio:
Abdul Ansari is the writer of this article. He is a freelance blogger and has written multiple articles for websites. He also likes to write product reviews about home, sports, and fitness. On weekends you will find him playing volleyball.