Due to the pandemic, most of us spend our lives indoors now, so we should focus on our indoor air quality. Just because it’s indoor air doesn’t mean it’s the cleanest. There are many things that can change the quality of our indoor air, such as open windows, cooking, smoking, and even using toxic cleaning products.
Making sure where you live is safe for you and your family is important. Purifying your home’s air quality will bring so many benefits to your well-being. Know the importance of having clean air in your home and what are the ways to achieve that.
(Thousands of Australians love Roborock’s robot vacuums. Check out our most advanced robot vacuum today to experience less time cleaning and more time living. )
Why is clean indoor air necessary?
Indoor air pollution can cause a severe impact on your health. It could be instant or long-term. Statistics from the World Health Organization show that 4.3 million people die annuallybecause of substandard indoor air quality.And according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the level of indoor pollutants is usually two to five times higher than the outdoor levels.
That's why breathing clean indoor air is essential for good health. Poor indoor air quality causes headaches, tiredness or lethargy, and more severe effects such as asthma and allergic responses.
People tend to fall asleep more quickly if they have comfortable temperatures and good air quality in rooms. These improve sleep quality and productivity for work and school. Here are eight ways:
Properly dispose of your garbage
Quite obvious, but sometimes we tend to forget trash baskets for dry things like paper. Check that your trash bins have nice, airtight lids to keep dust and any other odour sealed instead of contaminating your indoor air.
Give your pets a bath
This seems obvious, but don’t let your pets get smelly, thinking it’s only natural and they’re still clean. They don’t have to smell like roses, but they indeed shouldn’t stink. Wash your pet’s bedding, too, as they may pick up pollen (outdoor allergen) and little pests in their fur when they go outside.
Simplify your cleaning products
Your household cleaning products are another common cause of indoor pollution. These products introduce harsh chemicals that pollute your indoor air and can irritate your nose, mouth and lungs, as well as your skin. Consider using natural cleaning products such as lemon, vinegar or baking soda to fight grime.
Make use of exhaust fans
Switch on your exhaust fans in your bathrooms, kitchen and laundry areas if possible. Exhaust fans help remove moisture, odours and oils because of cooking. Exhaust fans will also help keep your furniture and other belongings safe and in good condition. When air is not ventilated correctly, it can cause furniture to warp or rot.
Utilise antimicrobial doormat
Trap the dirt and debris from the soles of your shoes as you enter your house. By trapping all the dirt, dust and other debris, antimicrobial doormats ensure non-contamination as it destroys bacteria, fungi, and other germs. And with clean indoors comes clean air.
“There are several ways to keep your air at home clean and safe; fresh air is good for the mind and body.”
Place your doormats outside your front and back doors, kitchen, bathroom or patio. Aside from utilising antimicrobial doormat, establish a shoes-off policy. Post a sign with a phrase of your request to leave their shoes outside and make sure you have accommodations to make it as easy as possible- a place to sit and a place to stash shoes.
Use houseplants
Plants have many benefits within a home, but the most important is their help in naturally filtering the air. Put indoor plants in different areas of your home that are safe from pets and kids - research which plants would thrive in every room’s level of natural light. Check your pets: if they tend to be curious about nosing or touching plants, make sure you only have non-toxic plants.
Use an air filter
There are portable room air-filters that use highly effective HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air). Consider using them and get your HVAC systems checked regularly. And if you have a forced-air heating and cooling system, change the air filters often when there's more smoke or pollen in the air.
Vacuum regularly
Vacuum regularly, especially if you have a pet. Brooms will just stir up more dust. Choose a HEPA-certified robot vacuum cleaner to trap dust particles, get rid of other allergens, and purify your indoor air. Robot vacuums are easy to use. You can clean your floors and furniture at any time you want.