In most cities around the world, people are concerned about the air quality that they have to breathe when they step out of their houses. However, not many people realize that the air quality within their houses may also be of low quality. Thus, even if they do not step out of their houses, they might still be inhaling low quality air. Given the fact that in-house air quality is within the control of its inhabitants, one should understand the ways and means of improving the air quality. Among these methods, alternative ways of improving air quality have grabbed the attention of many experts as they provide people with cheaper and easier methods of purifying the in-house air.
Battling the in-house dust
In many houses, dust particles remains to be the most abundant air pollutant. These particles capture and hold many types of allergens and chemicals, which will reduce the quality of in-house air. However, if one can reduce the amount of dust within the house, it will automatically reduce the amount of dust that pollutes the in-house air. According to WebMD, using a vacuum, which has a strong suction, rotating brushes and a HEPA filter, it is possible to reduce the amount of dust polluting the air to a remarkable extent. However, the vacuuming should be done regularly and correctly in order to obtain the desired results. In addition, the dust particles that are not captured by the vacuum can be removed by mopping floors and other objects within the household. The use of specialized mopping cloths can also help with removing extra small dust particles. However, experts recommend to avoid using cleaners and other liquids during mopping as the chemicals released from these liquids could pollute the air once again.
Another simple strategy to clean up in-house air is to lay floor mats just outside the doors. This would help reduce the amount of dust carried in from outside to a large extent. However, one may have to have two floor mats on either side of the door in order to capture both larger and smaller dust particles as people walk into the house. In any event, promoting removal of the shoes would be the best strategy to reduce the amount of dust brought in by those who are living in the house as well as by the houseguests. Once in a while, these mats need to be dusted, vacuumed and washed, preferably after taking the same outside the house.
Bringing the in-house humidity to acceptable levels
Experts also suggest reducing the humidity within the house as a higher level of humidity will provide mites and mold the perfect environment to grow. Thus, measures such as using an exhaust fan or opening a window when the dishwasher or the washing machine is in use, avoiding watering in-house plants excessively, fixing leaky plumbing and emptying drip pans of de-humidifiers and air-conditioners can easily help reduce the moisture level within the house.
Banning smoking within the house
While the above measures are of great importance toward improving the air quality within the house, all these measures may be secondary to the air quality that can be achieved by stopping smoking within the house. Experts believe that hundreds of chemicals released in cigarette smoke can pollute the in-house air, causing serious illnesses to those who are living in the house. Thus, in order to improve the air quality within the house, one can make it a non-smoking area.
Opting for natural means of improving in-house freshness
Using air fresheners, which contain certain chemical ingredients, can also lead to low quality air within the household and therefore it is best to stick to natural modes of improving the smell within the house rather than opting for artificial chemicals.
Thus, it becomes apparent that by using alternative methods of purifying the in-house air, it is possible to improve the air quality and therefore the wellbeing of those who are living in the house.
