10 Ways to Keep Indoor Air Fresh

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Protect Your Health

Air pollution is not only a problem outdoors—it can also be a significant concern inside our homes. In fact, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, making it critical to ensure the air quality in our living spaces is clean and healthy. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health issues, including allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, and other long-term health conditions.

Fortunately, there are several ways to improve the air quality in your home and reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants. By following these practical tips, you can create a healthier, safer indoor environment for you and your family. Plus, in some cases, professional help may be needed to address issues such as mold, hidden leaks, and hoarding, which can significantly impact indoor air quality.

Here are some steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home:

1. Place Large Floor Mats at Every Door

One simple yet effective way to reduce indoor pollution is by preventing dirt and chemicals from entering your home. Place large floor mats at every door to trap dirt, lead, pesticides, and other contaminants that can be tracked in from outside. A good mat will help prevent these pollutants from spreading throughout your home and onto your floors.

Ensure that everyone in your household wipes their feet thoroughly or removes their shoes before entering the home to further reduce the spread of harmful particles. Regularly wash your mats to keep them clean and effective at capturing dirt.

2. Vacuum Regularly Using a HEPA Filter

Vacuuming your carpets and rugs at least twice a week is essential to reducing dust mites, lead, pet dander, and other allergens that can pollute indoor air. For the best results, use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are designed to trap even the smallest particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens.

When vacuuming, be sure to cover all carpeted areas, including corners and under furniture, as dust tends to accumulate in these hard-to-reach spots. If possible, consider switching to hardwood or tile floors, which tend to trap fewer allergens and are easier to clean.

3. Clean Floors with Microfiber Mops and Plain Water

While vacuuming can remove a lot of dust, it’s important to follow up with a more thorough cleaning. Microfiber mops are excellent for capturing dust and allergens that a vacuum may leave behind. Unlike regular mops, microfiber mops attract and trap dust, dirt, and allergens, making them much more effective at cleaning floors.

To clean your floors, use plain water with the microfiber mop to avoid introducing chemicals into your home. Regular floor cleaning with microfiber mops will help reduce the number of airborne particles, making your indoor air cleaner.

4. Avoid Smoking Indoors

One of the most harmful pollutants that can degrade indoor air quality is cigarette smoke. Smoking indoors introduces toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia into the air, all of which can pose serious health risks. To keep your indoor air clean, avoid smoking inside the house altogether. If you or someone in your household smokes, ask them to do so outside in a designated smoking area away from windows and doors.

Secondhand smoke can be particularly harmful, so if you have guests who smoke, make sure they take it outside as well. By eliminating smoking indoors, you can significantly improve the air quality in your home.

5. Avoid Strong-Smelling Cleaning Products

Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to poor air quality. Strong-smelling cleaners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause headaches, dizziness, and other health issues when inhaled.

Instead of using chemical-laden products, opt for safer alternatives such as regular soap, vinegar, or baking soda. These natural cleaning agents are just as effective at cleaning your home without releasing harmful toxins into the air. Additionally, many eco-friendly cleaning products are now available, offering a safer option for maintaining cleanliness without compromising air quality.

6. Control Moisture to Prevent Mold Growth

Excess moisture in the home is a leading cause of mold growth, which can drastically reduce indoor air quality. Mold spores are tiny and can spread quickly, leading to respiratory issues and aggravating allergies and asthma. To prevent mold growth, control the humidity in your home by keeping it below 40% wherever possible.

Install a fan in your bathroom to reduce moisture buildup while showering, and use a dehumidifier in areas prone to excess moisture, such as basements or laundry rooms. If you already have mold growth in your home, it’s crucial to have it professionally remediated. This is where experts like Puroclean Romeoville can assist. We specialize in mold mitigation, helping homeowners safely remove mold and prevent it from returning, improving both your air quality and the overall health of your home.

7. Avoid Products Containing Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling chemical commonly found in many household products, including some furniture, paints, and cleaning agents. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can lead to respiratory issues and even increase the risk of cancer.

When purchasing furniture, paints, or other home products, opt for low-VOC or formaldehyde-free options. Many manufacturers now produce eco-friendly alternatives that don’t contain harmful chemicals. It’s a small investment in your health that can make a big difference in your indoor air quality.

8. Use HEPA Air Filters to Ventilate Your Home

Good ventilation is key to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. One of the most effective ways to improve air circulation is by using a HEPA air filter. These filters capture small particles such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. Place HEPA air purifiers in high-traffic areas like the living room or bedrooms to help clean the air.

If you have a central air system, consider replacing your standard air filters with HEPA filters, which will help trap even more particles. For areas that are more prone to dust and allergens, you may want to install additional air purifiers to keep the air clean.

9. Have Your Duct System Professionally Cleaned

If you suspect that your HVAC system is circulating dust, mold, or other contaminants, it’s a good idea to have your ducts professionally cleaned. Duct cleaning can improve airflow, reduce allergens, and help ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently.

If your home has recently undergone renovations or if you’re concerned about mold buildup in your ducts, Puroclean Romeoville can assist with duct cleaning services to ensure that your air quality remains at its best. Our professionals use specialized equipment to remove debris, mold, and contaminants from your ductwork, improving your home’s ventilation and overall air quality.

10. Test for Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that naturally occurs in soil and rock. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation and pose serious health risks, including lung cancer, if inhaled over long periods of time. The EPA recommends testing for radon, especially in homes with basements or crawl spaces, as these areas tend to have higher radon levels.

Radon testing kits are widely available, or you can hire a professional service to conduct the test. If elevated radon levels are detected, there are mitigation solutions available to reduce radon levels and protect your family’s health.

Professional Help from Puroclean Romeoville

While following these tips can significantly improve indoor air quality, some issues, such as mold growth, hidden leaks, or hoarding situations, require professional attention. Puroclean Romeoville specializes in mold mitigation, water damage restoration, and hoarding cleanup, providing expert services to address and eliminate serious air quality problems.

• Mold Mitigation: Puroclean Romeoville offers comprehensive mold removal and prevention services. Their team uses advanced techniques and equipment to locate hidden mold, eliminate it safely, and prevent future growth.
• Detecting and Repairing Hidden Leaks: Leaks from pipes or the roof can lead to excess moisture, contributing to mold growth and poor air quality. Puroclean Romeoville specializes in detecting hidden leaks and repairing them promptly to prevent further damage and health risks.
• Hoarding Cleanup: Hoarding situations can significantly affect indoor air quality due to the accumulation of dust, mold, and other contaminants. Puroclean offers hoarding cleanup help, safely removing items, cleaning the space, and restoring the home to a healthy state.

Improving indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy home environment. By following the tips outlined above, such as controlling humidity, using HEPA filters, and avoiding harmful chemicals, you can significantly reduce allergens and pollutants in your home. For more serious concerns, such as mold growth or hidden leaks, it’s important to seek professional help from experts like Puroclean Romeoville – you can call us at (815) 905-2225. Our services can ensure your home remains safe, clean, and free from pollutants, promoting better air quality and overall well-being.