Smells, dust, pet dander and allergens can cause coughing or sneezing after one deep breath. The trapped air can become stuffy, stale and irritating to allergies. Understanding how to improve the air quality in your home can help reduce allergens, freshen the atmosphere and breathe a sigh of relief.
Use an Air Purifier
Especially if you live in a heavily polluted area, consider investing in an air purifier, whether it’s a portable air purifier or a unit in your central air conditioning and ventilation system. Regardless of which option you choose, you will need to clean and replace the filters regularly.
Choose Paints With Zero VOCs
One of the main sources of indoor air pollution is home décor and furnishings that emit waste gases. In fact, interior paints can emit gas for years, slowly releasing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. Fortunately, more and more paint companies have begun to produce alternatives with low or no VOCs, so we no longer need to turn to air-polluting paints. Look for these safer options at your local hardware store.
Dust, Mold and Other Contaminants
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, dust in your home can exacerbate your symptoms. To keep your home free of dust, simply clean frequently with a vacuum cleaner and be sure to open the windows. Fill the space with houseplants that are noted for their cleansing and refreshing properties.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
To avoid harmful fumes from harsh cleaning products, always use the mildest cleaning solution possible. For daily cleaning, natural detergents and homemade cleaning recipes should do the trick. Only touch powerful cleaners for deep cleaners or when dealing with stubborn stains, and make sure the room is well ventilated.
Check the Quality of the Insulation
To avoid polluting your home’s air with outdoor emissions, check for leaks around window and door frames, baseboards, key holes, and vents around your home. Re-insulating any cracks or crevices is an easy (and very affordable) way to make sure outside pollutants aren’t getting into your home, and to prevent drafts.
Bonus tips:
- Change bedding and towels often (preferably at least once a week).
- Take your carpets and rugs outside and knock them out, and change your vacuum cleaner filters more often.
- Always dry laundry with the window open.