Some proven ways to improve air quality in the home
June 2, 2008
When the topic of improving air quality comes up, much of the discussion focuses on how to improve outdoor air quality. Solutions such as reducing harmful emissions from vehicles and properly disposing of certain household items are easy ways to improve outdoor air quality.
But what about improving air quality indoors? Ways of doing that are not discussed nearly as much, as it’s common to overlook indoor air quality. But poor air quality indoors can be just as harmful as outside air — or even more so considering the amount of time spent indoors — making it a good policy to keep tabs on indoor air quality via the following tips.
• Dust frequently. Dusting is an easy chore when it’s done frequently. However, the longer dust is allowed to build up, the more arduous removing it can become and the more damaging it is to the quality of indoor air. When dusting, do so with microfiber towels and dusters. Such products attract dust, which will cling to the fibers instead of simply dropping dust to the ground. The object is to remove the dust entirely, not simply move it around to let it fall to the ground where it’s not as visible.
• Adjust the stove. Stoves can be adjusted to decrease their amount of gas emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refers to this way of improving indoor air quality as source control, in which the source of indoor air pollution is either removed or emissions are reduced to improve air quality. The EPA notes that source control, such as sealing or removing any sources that might contain asbestos, is perhaps the most cost-efficient approach, as other means such as increasing ventilation will no doubt lead to higher utility costs.
• Clean the blinds. Blinds are common gathering places for dust, which tends to gather on the outside-facing part of the blind, making it seem as though the blinds are clean when they are not. Clean blinds weekly using the same microfiber dusters used to remove dust from the rest of the house.
• Bathe and brush pets regularly. Pets contribute mightily to poor indoor air quality, particularly pets that stay outdoors while their owners are away. Pets’ coats are often loaded with dirt and dander (skin flakes in animal fur or hair). When animals shed, much of that dirt and dander is then scattered around the house. To avoid this, brush pets’ hair before they re-enter the home from outdoors, and be sure to bathe them regularly. Also, wash their bedding frequently.
• Wash your own bedding, too. The family pet isn’t the only one who might have a bed that’s contributing to poor indoor air quality. If a human’s bed linens aren’t washed frequently (preferably in hot water) dust mites can begin living in the linens. Feather pillows and bedding also attract dust mites, so those might be something to avoid.
• Don’t overwater houseplants. Houseplants represent an interesting part of the indoor air quality discussion. Some suggestions have hinted that houseplants can reduce levels of some chemicals in the air. However, no evidence to fully support that notion currently exists. What is known is that overwatering houseplants can promote the growth of microorganisms in the air, which can affect those with allergies. To avoid this, simply water plants as directed and make sure they’re not overwatered.
• Vacuum regularly. All sorts of dust and other things such as pet hair and dander can collect in a carpet if it’s not vacuumed regularly. Anyone with a home that has heavy traffic, both people and pets, should vacuum every other day, if not every day. An upholstery brush should be used on all furniture as well. Even if a home has wood floors, use a vacuum that is designed for such floors, as dirt and other items can collect on hardwood floors as well.
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