To keep your home healthy, it’s important to have clean air to breathe. If anyone in your family has allergies or asthma, you’ll want to take steps to improve indoor air quality. Here are some things you can do to reduce pollutants and irritants inside your home.

Use an Air Purifier

The easiest way to improve indoor air quality is to use air purification machines in the busiest areas of your home. Choose a purifier that uses a HEPA filter to trap contaminants as small as 0.3 microns. When shopping for an air purifier, it’s helpful to know the square footage of the room where it will be used. Most devices are labeled with the size of the space they can effectively treat.

Indoor Plants Help Improve Indoor Air Quality

Some houseplants are known to help improve air quality. Peace lily, Boston fern, and Golden Pothos are some commonly available plants that absorb toxins. If you choose to keep houseplants, learn how to properly care for them. Overwatering can contribute to mold growth which will negatively affect your indoor air quality.

Take Off Shoes at the Door

Pollutants from outdoors can be tracked into the house on the soles of our shoes and on pets’ paws. Make a habit of removing your shoes when you come inside. Create an area in your entryway with shelves or a cubby system to store shoes. Train your pet to wait at the door and wipe their paws as they come in.

Smoking Outdoors

If you or a family member smokes, create a comfortable smoking area outside the home. Indoor cigarette smoke affects the health of all members of your household, not just the person who smokes. The chemicals in smoke contribute to health issues. To improve indoor air quality, don’t allow smoking inside your home.

Improve Indoor Air Quality by Keeping the Clean House

Dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander affect people who suffer from allergies. To make it easier to breathe in your home, keep it clean. Sweep, mop, and vacuum at least twice a week. Dust the house and clean the upholstery regularly. Wash pillows, blankets, and pet bedding weekly, too.

Repair Plumbing Leaks

Moisture creates an environment conducive to mold growth, which can lead to health issues. Mold in the home contributes to allergy-like symptoms, fatigue, and headaches. At the first sign of a plumbing issue, call a professional. Repair dripping faucets, leaking pipes, and slow drains. By preventing mold and mildew growth, you’ll have cleaner indoor air.

Maryland Home Inspectors provides home inspections in the Washington DC and Baltimore areas. Contact us to request our services.