Having clean air in your home is critical for your family’s health and safety. Which do you think is dirtier: indoor air or outdoor air? Would you be surprised to learn indoor air is dirtier? In fact, indoor air quality is estimated to be five times more polluted than outdoor air. Gross! And considering we spend about 90% of our time indoors, clean air really matters
Air pollutants such as dust mites, mold, and pollen can trigger allergies and asthma. Some air pollutants are more than dirty; they’re dangerous. The top three most dangerous are carbon monoxide, radon gas, and secondhand smoke. These toxins can cause respiratory tract infections, lung cancer, and even death.
Want to breathe easy and have the peace of mind knowing your home has clean air? Here are five tips to help you have clean air in your home.
#1: Stop Smoking Inside
Keep your home’s air clean by keeping cigarettes out of your house. Obviously, it’s best to not smoke at all—inside or out—but that might not always be feasible. If you have guests or family members who smoke, ask them to take it outside. Tell them clean air is a priority in your home and for your family.
#2: Protect Against Carbon Monoxide
Install carbon monoxide detectors to alert you if the gas is in your home. After all, it’s odorless, so you can’t smell it. Regularly schedule a professional to inspect fuel-burning appliances to ensure they’re in working order and won’t leak gas. Make sure your gas stove and heater are vented correctly and directly outside so any fumes are carried away from you and your family. And never run generators, cars, trucks, lawn mowers, or other gas-powered engines or appliances in enclosed spaces — and certainly never run them inside. Even fumes from your garage can travel inside, so for clean air, be extra cautious with ventilation and don’t leave engines running unnecessarily.
#3: Dust!
Dust mites, the tiny bugs that live in dust, are the most common triggers of allergies and asthma symptoms. Frequent dusting with a treated cloth is the answer to keep dust on hard surfaces under control. These microscopic allergy triggers also live in carpets, upholstery, bedding, pillows, fabrics, and mattresses. Wash your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases weekly in hot water that’s at least 130ºF. Be sure to vacuum weekly as well.
#4: Filter It
When you vacuum, use one with a HEPA filter: a high-efficiency particulate air filter. This traps small particles so they aren’t released back into the air.
Regularly change your home’s HVAC filters to keep them working hard for you and your family. Dirty filters will restrict airflow and can even grow mold. For clean air, change filters every three months, or more frequently if anyone in your family has allergies and asthma. You can also get HEPA filters for your units.
#5: Go Green for Clean Air
Green plants are clean air’s best friend, so put your green thumb to good use! Indoor plants help clean air by getting rid of carbon dioxide and boosting oxygen levels.
Take a cue from NASA. Believe it or not, for years, NASA scientists have been studying how plants clean air on space stations. In some controlled conditions, certain plants removed up to 82% of air pollutants within 24 hours! Aloe vera, English ivy, ficus trees, and spider are some good plants to try.
Count on Carnation Home Cleaning to be your clean air partner. We use all eco-friendly cleaning products and vacuums with HEPA filters. Family owned since 1991, we’re 100% committed to helping you keep your home clean and your family healthy. Contact us today to learn more.
