Most people spend a lot of time in their homes so having clean air in the home is essential. Homes contain toxins, dust, allergens and even mold which all have a negative impact on your health. If you notice the air quality in your home is really bad or if you suspect you have mold, then you should call a professional to do an air quality test. However, for most of us, by following these simple tips you can improve the air quality in your home yourself.
1) Open the Windows
Open all the windows and let the fresh air flow through your home. It’s always good to ventilate your home as often as possible to get rid of chemicals other toxins and odours.
2) Plants
Plants are not only a great way to decorate your home, but they also have a positive effect on your health. Studies have shown that plants effect your mood by helping to reduce stress, increase productivity and improve concentration. In addition to these wonderful benefits, they also absorb carbon dioxide, other toxins and release fresh air into your home making them a great natural air purifier.
*If you have pets do your research to make sure you buy pet friendly plants.
3) Clean Your Home on a Regular Basis
Give your home a good cleaning at least once a week. Make sure to wash, dust and vacuum carpets, floors and furniture to remove dirt, pollen, dust, and debris.
4) Light A Beeswax Candle
When burning, beeswax candles release negative ions into the air trapping pollutants with positive ions such as dust, pollen and other allergens and removing them from the air. Beeswax candles also burn clean, eliminate orders, and have a sweet fragrance so your home will smell nice too.
5) Buy Natural Cleaning Products
Do not clean your home with cleaning products that contain chemicals. They are bad for your health and for the environment. Instead buy cleaning products made with natural ingredients or simply make your own cleaning solution using vinegar and water. To find out how, watch our Vlog: How To Make Your Own Natural All Purpose Cleaner That Disinfects & Smells Great Too
6) Air Purifiers
Buy an air purifier for your home. They are great for getting rid of airborne pollutants, allergens, mold, dust, pet dander, smoke, and pollen. Air purifiers come in many sizes and models with varying prices but one model that received good reviews is Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier with Allergen and Odor Remover, Washable Pre-Filter - ENERGY STAR® Home Depot. $398.00 CAD
7) Buy an Air Quality Monitor
You can easily find a good air quality monitors at big box stores such as Canadian Tire or Home Depot. Look for a monitor that monitors radon, chemicals, temperature, and humidity. The price of the units range but you might want to check out Airthings Whole Home Battery Operated Radon Detector and Indoor Air Quality Monitor Starter Kit. $399.99 CAD at Home Depot.
Also Check out Airthings Wave Mini Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor with Mold-Risk Indication $99.99 CAD at Canadian Tire.
8) Clean or Replace Air Filters
Air Filters remove mold, smoke allergens and other toxins so remember to clean or replace them fairly frequently.
9) Change your Furnace Filters
Furnace filters should be replaced at least every 3 months or as recommended. This will help prevent dirt, dust, mold, and other allergens from building up in your home.
10) Buy a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector (CO detector) or a smoke alarm with a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home. These alarms will alert you if you have carbon monoxide gas in your home which can be deadly. Remember to change the batteries every few months and test the alarm to make sure it is working properly.