We all know that outdoor air is super polluted with all the exhaust gases floating around wherever you turn. However, not many are aware of the pollution that lurks inside of our homes. As a matter of fact, indoor air can be several times more polluted than outdoor air! Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep the air inside your home clean and healthy.
Open your windows
Probably the cheapest and simplest way to improve your indoor air quality is to open your windows. Only 10 minutes a day of good ventilation will remove some of the harmful contaminants from your indoor air and even help you regulate your indoor temperature.
Introduce plants to your home
There’s nothing more natural than air filtration that certain plants can provide. For instance, snake plants are not only a perfect addition to every home’s décor, but they can also reduce the concentration of formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene and xylene in your indoor air. So, find the right plant for your home and let nature take care of you!
Turn on your AC
If you have central air conditioning, you can use it for more than just keeping your home cool. Essentially, an AC is a whole-house air filter that will pull air out of your house, cool it and return it. But, before the cool air returns, it will pass through a filter. If you keep this filter clean and replace it regularly, you will ensure better air quality in your home.
Invest in an air purifier
One of the most effective ways to keep indoor air clean is to grab an air purifier, especially if you’re a smoker. Today, you can find effective air purifiers for smoke that will catch contaminants and remove them from the air inside your home. The best thing about these machines is that they also tackle other contaminants as well such as dust, pet dander, mould and certain bacteria. You can invest in an air purifier (for your living room and bedrooms) to stay surrounded by clean air most of your day.
Grab an essential oil diffuser
Some essential oils like cinnamon, oregano, tea tree oil, rosemary, lemon and thyme tend to kill contaminants like bacteria, fungi and even some mould. Thieves Oil has an over 99% kill rate for bacteria (there’s even an experiment you can do yourself at home)! Plus, this oil will make your home smell pleasantly like a Christmas potpourri.
Burn a beeswax candle
Ordinary candles release soot into the air when burned and can pollute your air. However, natural candles made out of beeswax can soak up some of the contaminants from your air without producing any additional pollution—no smoke and no soot. Plus, beeswax candles last much longer than regular ones, so you don’t have to replace them that often.
Get a salt lamp.
Another thing you can get for your home to help clean it from nasty pollutants is a salt lamp. These huge chunks of pink salt are said to remove airborne particles from your air by releasing ions into your environment, which neutralize the toxins. You can keep one of these lamps in your living room, next to your bed or even in your office! While some additional research is needed to fully prove the effect of salt lamps on air quality and human health, these pink salt crystals really look attractive and their pink-orange glow feels pleasant on the eyes even if you leave them on during the night.
Remove your shoes
The dirt before your home contains gross contaminants like fungi, bacteria, faeces, pollen and pesticides. So, leave those pollutants outside by removing your shoes before you step on your carpet. This will keep both your air and your floors cleaner!
Groom your pets
If you have a house pet, you can expect pet dander (dead skin cells) all over your house. While many people think pet allergies come from fur, most of them are triggered by dander. So, if you have a furry housemate, give it regular baths, practice brushing outside and use a good HEPA filter vacuum to clean your floors and furniture. You will undoubtedly breathe easier!
Ditch toxic cleaners
Many cleaners you can buy at the store contain toxic chemicals that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. If you need to use those, keep your windows open. But, a better solution is to ditch these chemical cleaners and opt for something more natural such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon (or essential oil) mixtures.
While it’s hard to avoid pollution outside, you’re the boss of your indoor air and have much more control over it. So, employ these natural tricks above and ensure you breathe easily in your home!
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