Indoor air quality is something many of us don’t think about until we start experiencing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or allergies.
Yet, with most people spending about 90% of their time indoors, the air quality inside our homes, offices, and schools directly impacts our health and well-being.
Factors like dust, mold, pet dander, household chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furniture and paints all contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to improve indoor air quality, promoting a healthier, more breathable environment for everyone.
This post will cover the importance of improving indoor air, simple methods to do so, and the significant benefits of choosing custom air filters for optimized air quality.
The Easiest Way to Improve Poor Indoor Air Quality
1. Regularly Ventilate Your Home
One of the simplest ways to refresh indoor air is through ventilation. Indoor air can become stale and polluted, especially during colder months when windows are often closed. Allowing fresh air to circulate helps dilute indoor pollutants and provides an immediate improvement in air quality. Here are some ventilation tips:
Open Windows: Open windows for at least 10-15 minutes a day, preferably in the morning, to allow fresh air to flow in and stale air to exit.
Use Exhaust Fans: In areas like the kitchen and bathroom, turn on exhaust fans to vent moisture, odors, and smoke outside.
Cross-Ventilation: To create cross-ventilation, open windows on opposite sides of the home. This helps the air move freely, clearing out indoor pollutants more effectively.
2. Keep Indoor Plants
Plants are nature’s air purifiers and can add beauty to your space while improving air quality. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is especially beneficial indoors. Certain plants can even help filter out toxins. Here are a few that are particularly good for indoor air:
Peace Lily: Known for its ability to remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, peace lilies are easy to care for and thrive indoors.
Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue): This hardy plant absorbs toxins like nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde and is very low maintenance.
Spider Plant: Effective at removing xylene and formaldehyde, the spider plant is resilient and ideal for beginners.
Be mindful of which plants you choose, especially if you have pets, as some plants can be toxic to animals.
Recommended Read: Indoor Plants: 20 Reasons Why They are Essential for Your Home
3. Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are a fantastic tool for improving indoor air, especially in homes with limited ventilation or higher exposure to allergens. These devices work by filtering out pollutants, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Here are some features to look for when choosing an air purifier:
HEPA Filter: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, and smoke.
Carbon Filter: Activated carbon filters can absorb VOCs and odors, which HEPA filters alone cannot remove.
Size and Noise Level: Choose an air purifier that suits the size of your room and operates quietly, especially if it’s for a bedroom or office.
Place the purifier in areas where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms or living rooms, to maximize its benefits.
4. Control Humidity Levels
Excess moisture in the air fosters mold and mildew, which can worsen indoor air quality and trigger respiratory issues. Ideally, indoor humidity levels should be kept between 30% and 50%. Here’s how to manage humidity:
Use a Dehumidifier: In humid climates, a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture levels, preventing mold and dust mites from thriving.
Fix Leaks and Drips: Repair any leaks around the house, especially in basements, bathrooms, and under sinks, to prevent water accumulation and mold growth.
Ventilate While Cooking and Showering: Cooking and showering can add significant moisture to the air, so use exhaust fans or open windows during and after these activities.
5. Avoid Synthetic Fragrances and Harsh Chemicals
Many household cleaning products, air fresheners, and personal care items contain synthetic fragrances that release VOCs into the air. VOCs can irritate the respiratory system and worsen allergies. Here are safer alternatives:
Choose Natural Cleaning Products: Opt for eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products or make your own with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Avoid Aerosol Sprays: Aerosol sprays, including hairsprays, deodorants, and cleaning sprays, contribute to poor air quality. Look for pump spray alternatives or roll-on products.
Use Essential Oils Sparingly: While essential oils are natural, they should still be used in moderation, especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms. Some people can be sensitive to strong scents.
6. Regular Cleaning and Dusting
Dust and dirt can accumulate quickly, especially in high-traffic areas. Regular cleaning helps keep allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores at bay. Follow these tips for an effective cleaning routine:
Dust with a Damp Cloth: Instead of dry dusting, which can push dust back into the air, use a damp cloth to trap and remove dust particles.
Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter captures fine particles and allergens, preventing them from being recirculated into the air.
Wash Bedding and Curtains: Wash bedding, curtains, and other fabric items regularly, as they can harbor dust mites and allergens.
7. Reduce Clutter
A cluttered home can harbor dust and allergens, which affect air quality. Keeping surfaces clean and clutter-free can help minimize dust accumulation. Here are some decluttering strategies:
Store Items in Closed Containers: Use storage boxes with lids to store items, reducing the amount of dust that can settle on them.
Organize Papers and Books: Paper and books can trap dust. Consider storing them in closed cabinets or shelves to reduce dust buildup.
Regularly Clean Hidden Spaces: Dust and allergens accumulate in hard-to-reach places like under beds, sofas, and behind furniture. Regularly clean these areas to prevent buildup.
8. Install Air Filters and Replace Them Regularly
Most heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have filters that trap airborne particles, improving indoor air quality. Make sure to:
Use High-Quality Filters: Choose filters with a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, which can capture smaller particles.
Replace Filters Frequently: HVAC filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the presence of pets or allergies.
Consider a Whole-House Air Purifier: For those with central air systems, a whole-house air purifier can be installed to improve the air quality throughout the home.
Final Thoughts:
Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating these simple and practical strategies into your daily routine, you can create a fresher, healthier living environment for you and your loved ones. Clean air is essential for good health and well-being, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to breathing easier every day. Remember, small changes can lead to big improvements—so start today and enjoy the benefits of cleaner indoor air.