Discover practical and effective strategies to create a healthier home environment in our comprehensive guide on how to reduce indoor air pollution. From natural cleaning solutions to mindful furniture choices, embark on a journey toward cleaner, fresher indoor air for you and your loved ones. FilterBuy is a company committed to helping reduce indoor air pollution and has sponsored this post.
When we think about air pollution, our minds often jump to bustling city streets and hazy skies. But guess what? Our cozy indoor spaces can actually harbor even more sneaky pollutants! Yep, as we seal up our homes to be all energy-efficient and snug, we might unknowingly be locking in some not-so-friendly stuff.
But here’s the twist – it’s not just about comfort. It’s about health. Poor indoor air quality can mess with allergies, trigger asthma, and even crank up the risk of respiratory issues, especially for small children and the elderly.
The good news? We can totally deal with this. Think proper ventilation, nifty air purifiers, and being picky about what we bring into our homes. By being air-aware, we can keep our indoor havens cozy and healthy. So let’s give our homes a little love, make ’em all comfy and clean, and breathe easy knowing we’re doing right by our lungs.
Indoor Air Pollution Facts
- On average, we spend about 90% of our time indoors.
- “The prevalence rate of pediatric asthma has increased from 40.1 to 69.1,—a 72.3 percent increase. Asthma is the sixth ranking chronic condition in our nation and the leading serious chronic illness of children in the U.S.” – American Lung Association
- One source of indoor air pollution can be radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, drains, and other openings. Radon is a known carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
- Poorly ventilated homes also can have high humidity levels which can lead to mold and even structural damage. Repairing this damage can be very expensive.
- Indoor air quality can also impact how much illnesses like Covid and flu can spread.
How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
- Switch to Natural Cleaners: Opt for natural cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are fantastic alternatives that clean effectively without compromising indoor air quality. You can also choose natural store-bought cleaners that are safer for the air quality in your home.
- Embrace Air-Purifying Plants: Elevate your decor and air quality by bringing in air-cleaning plants like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies. These green companions not only add a touch of nature but also work tirelessly to filter out pollutants.
- Mindful Furniture Choices: When shopping for new furniture, look for options that are certified low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals like flame retardants. This ensures that your cozy couch or stylish chair won’t unknowingly contribute to indoor air pollution.
- Ventilate Regularly: Don’t underestimate the power of a good ol’ airing-out session. Open your windows when the weather permits to allow fresh air to circulate and replace stale indoor air. It’s a simple yet effective way to reset the atmosphere.
- Upgrade Your Furnace Filter: Opt for a high-quality furnace filter with a MERV rating that suits your needs. A better filter can trap allergens, dust, and pollutants, enhancing overall indoor air quality and providing relief for those prone to allergies.
- Monitor Humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels in check, ideally between 30-50%. You can find affordable humidity monitors if one is not built into your thermostat. High humidity can promote mold growth and worsen allergies, while low humidity can lead to discomfort. Consider using a dehumidifier or humidifier as needed.
- Be Mindful of Scents: Many air fresheners and scented products release VOCs into the air. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers or DIY air fresheners to add pleasant fragrances to your home.
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Dust and vacuum regularly to reduce allergens and particles that can accumulate over time. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to effectively trap tiny particles and improve indoor air quality.
- Don’t Smoke Indoors: If you smoke, make it a rule to step outside. Smoking indoors releases a host of pollutants that can linger and affect air quality. Also, talk to your doctor about help quitting. Even the chemicals left on your clothes can have an impact on the air in your home.
- Reduce Clutter: Minimize clutter to make cleaning and dusting easier. Less clutter means fewer places for dust and allergens to accumulate.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your HVAC system, chimney, and appliances well-maintained. Regular checks and cleanings ensure they’re operating efficiently and not releasing harmful pollutants into your home.
- Get Rid of Your Gas Stove: We’ve recently learned more about the dangers of gas stoves. They can release nitrogen dioxide which is harmful to our lungs and is even linked to childhood asthma.
- Use Air Purifiers: Air purifiers are a great way to improve indoor air quality. We have several throughout our home. Our favorite is the Dyson Purifier Cool because it’s also a fan and we get some hot weather here in Oklahoma. They can also be controlled by an app, set up on schedules, and give you a lot of great data.
I like to think of improving the air quality in my home as just another one of my homemaking tasks. My husband and I both have allergies and I have asthma, making it even more vital that I keep the air quality as good as possible.
Be sure to add some of these tasks to your cleaning planner so you can stay on top of them and help improve your family’s health. If you haven’t set up a cleaning planner yet be sure to get the Retro Cleaning Planner today.
More Helpful Cleaning Resources
Anna @Green Talk says
I avoid products that contain formaldehyde. I am glad you brought up filters since most people don’t change their enough.
Farrah says
I love the idea of air-cleaning plants, and had no idea that aloe was one of em’! 😀 Definitely gonna have to look into that once I’m actually in a place for more than a couple months at a time!
Lisa Sharp says
Aloe has great air cleaning properties and is so easy to care for. Plus great for burns! 🙂
Norm Brown says
Great topic Lisa. We’re a big fan of the pothos (only because they are so hard to kill), spider plants, and English ivy in my home. I think people also need to stay away from products that claim to “clean” the air as air fresheners. They do far more harm than good!.
Thanks again!
Lisa Sharp says
So true! I really like spider plants, they are so pretty.