7 Simple Yet Effective Ways to Improve Air Quality at Home Without an Air Purifier
The air we breathe is an important factor affecting our health. The outdoor air pollution gets all the headlines and is regularly monitored. However the air quality at our homes is often neglected. The air inside our homes can carry seasonal allergies, dust, bacteria or mold and can significantly affect our comfort and health. These issues can be addressed to a large extent by installing an air purifier at home but what if you are not ready to invest in an expensive air purifier, yet? We’ve got you covered! Here are 7 simple but effective ways to improve air quality at home without expensive gadgets.
1. Use Houseplants
Houseplants are fast becoming decorative items of choice within our homes. However, besides beautifying spaces, they are equally good at purifying air. Aloe vera, Peace Lilly, Snake Plant and Red-Edged Dracaenas are famed for their air purifying properties. They absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air and release oxygen. These wonder plants also regulate humidity at home and prevent the growth of mold.
2. Regular Dusting and Cleaning Floors
Dust and pollutants often fall to the floor and are re-circulated in the indoor air with even a slight movement. Create a routine to dust & mop floor and flat surfaces with a damp cloth rather than a microfiber duster to effectively remove dust. Mop floors regularly and use a vacuum cleaner to further make your home absolutely dust free.
3. Prefer Essential Oils over Air Fresheners
Conventional air fresheners, a shortcut to pleasantly smelling homes, often contain VOCs that are known to be harmful to air quality. Essential oils are a brilliant alternative to conventional air fresheners. The essential oils used in aromatherapy diffusers have the ability to naturally freshen up indoor air. This is a sure shot way to improve indoor air quality the right way and to create an overall, more inviting atmosphere. You can use humidifiers filled up with diluted essential oils to naturally spread the aroma around your entire house.
4. Air Purifying Candles
Candles are often used for ornamental purposes to elevate the decor appeal at home. However air purifying candles are very effective at cleansing indoor air. These candles are made from natural materials like beeswax, soy, or coconut oil, which give them their air purifying properties. Air purifying candles can help in reducing air pollution, while livening up your living spaces!
5. Clean your AC Unit Filters
The filters in air conditioners can get very dirty, and can keep getting dirtier, especially if used a lot. The air you breathe goes through these filters, and carries harmful bacteria and pathogens. Cleaning the AC filters regularly is extremely important, and can ensure the air in your home remains healthy and clean.
6. Remove Footwear When Entering the Home
Your shoes and other footwear bring a lot of dust and pollutants, which can get introduced into your home’s air circulation. Encourage guests and members of the house to remove their shoes at the entrance. It can greatly help in reducing air pollution inside your house and creating a healthier environment.
7. Open The Windows
If you open the windows of your house for a short period everyday, you are allowing ventilation to bring in fresh air and dilute the indoor pollutants. A little breeze coming in from the windows can blow away suspended air pollutant in the indoor air, improving the air quality. Care needs to be taken to open the windows at an appropriate time of the day when the outside pollution is at its lowest, otherwise you will be inviting a lot of pollution inside your house, rather than get rid of indoor pollution.
With these 7 simple ways to lower indoor air pollution, you can improve air quality in your home effectively even without an air purifier. Follow these tips regularly and you will discover a newfound comfort inside your own home!