5 Ways to Cleaner, Fresher Air at Home

Did you know that the air you breathe indoors can be up to five times worse than the air outdoors? On top of that, we spend an average of 90 percent of our time inside.

If you don’t want to settle for poor indoor air quality, or you suspect that you might be spending time in a home or office with inferior air that is causing you discomfort, you might want to take a look at these five things you can do to make the air in your home fresher, cleaner and crisper.

Using a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters can help to keep the air at home cleaner without any extra effort. HEPA filters are an effective way to remove unwanted impurities from indoor air, and using a vacuum with one built in helps you decontaminate the air while you clean the home – now isn’t that convenient?

Consider placing air-purifying, low maintenance houseplants around your home. Not only does this help keep the air cleaner – you come home to a relaxing, greener and prettier view every day. Here are three common houseplants which can work their cleansing magic in your home.

1. Aloe vera - This easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent helps clear formaldehyde and benzene, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners, paints and more. Place your pot of Aloe vera near a sunny window or just outside your home.

2. Chrysanthemum - These bright, happy flowers do more than add color to your home – they also help to filter out benzene, a chemical found in glue, paint, plastics and detergent.

3. Bamboo Palm - This small, apartment-friendly palm does well in shady indoor spaces and helps filter out benzene and formaldehyde that may be off-gassing from your furniture.

Thirdly, ventilate your house well to clear out dust and particles from small, dark corners. Leaving your doors open allow fresher air to come in and help to release trapped and stale air. Keeping them open for 10 minutes a day at least can improve ventilation. On the other hand, keep closet or cupboard doors closed to prevent dust from settling on your clothes.

If there are smokers at home, keep in mind that secondhand smoke from cigarettes is a big indoor air pollutant which can cause asthma in small children. Encourage family members or guests not to smoke indoors, or run an air purifier to clear out any residual pollutants should there be cigarette smoke in your home.

Keeping your air-conditioner or dehumidifiers well maintained goes a long way in keeping the air indoors fresh and clean. Not keeping your air-conditioner in good shape can lead to mold or mildew forming in the filters of the unit, so remember to give them regular 'check-ups' too!

Finally, a natural and relaxing way of ionizing the air indoors is by using beeswax candles. Unlike paraffin candles, which release petroleum by-products into the air, beeswax candles burn cleanly and neutralize toxic compounds in the air, especially if they are placed in smaller or cramped rooms. All these small changes can add up to make a huge difference in the quality of the air you breathe in at home, at work or in any indoor space at all! Say hello to fresh, crisp air to kickstart your day!