Why Healthy Indoor Air Quality is Important

Why Healthy Indoor Air Quality is Important

Good indoor air quality is an essential part of living in a healthy home. You can improve your indoor air quality by reducing the sources of allergens and irritants in your home.

The Truth About Indoor Air Quality

Particles or gasses that are generally not part of the air affect air quality; this is called air pollution. Air pollution can also happen indoors. Why is this?

You bring outdoor air inside whenever you open a door or window; you can also bring in pollen and smoke. Leaks around doors and windows can let in polluted outdoor air.

Indoor air can have allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold. Humidity can lead to higher dust mite levels. Particles are released into the air by furnaces, wood-burning fires, and candles. Cooking sends oil and fat particulates into the air. Newly installed floors and furniture can release chemicals.

Clean outdoor air must replace indoor air often, or the indoor air becomes more polluted. Otherwise, allergens, smells, and pollutants stay in your home and recirculate. Because newer, more energy-efficient homes don't have the same gaps and cracks as older homes, there's less air circulation.

Here are ways you can reduce the sources of allergens and irritants throughout your home:

  • Establish regular cleaning routines.
  • Measure your home's humidity levels and keep them below 50%. If you live in a wet climate, you may need a dehumidifier.
  • Keep windows closed during peak pollen times or during times of high outdoor pollution.
  • Remove strong scents like candles and harsh cleaners. Replace traditional scented candles and potpourri with battery-powered ones.

Bedroom – Allergy control starts in the bedroom. You spend approximately 1/3 of your time in your bedroom.

Allergens can make asthma or atopic dermatitis (eczema) worse. Allergens in your bedroom can impact your sleep. Start by protecting and cleaning your bed.

Replace pillows every two years. Look for CERTIFIED pillows or zippered allergen protectors. For a pillow or pillow cover to be CERTIFIED, we test to make sure it:

  • Has an outer fabric that blocks allergens like dust mites from passing through
  • Is made with a breathable fabric for your comfort
  • Can be easily cleaned to remove allergens
  • Can withstand the wear and tear of regular washing
  • Vacuum your mattress and box springs before covering them. Replace your mattress every ten years.
  • Wash bedding weekly in hot, soapy water (130 F) using Kanberra Laundry Additive for additional cleaning power. Dry them on high.
  • Leave your bed unmade to let it cool and air out. Warmth and moisture from your body encourage dust mite growth.
  • Don't let pets in the bedroom and never on the bed.

Bathroom – Mold thrives in wet or humid places like bathrooms.

  • Run a fan in your bathroom at least 15 to 20 minutes after showering.
  • Allow towels and washcloths to dry thoroughly after bathing.
  • Fix any leaks in or near sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers.
  • Clean and remove mold – check windows, showers, tubs, sinks, toilets, and inside cabinets.
  • Check shower curtains for signs of mold and mildew and replace them if necessary.
  • Dust or rinse clean the exhaust fan covers.

Living Room – The living room is the center of activity in your home. That means it's also a central location for many things that affect indoor air quality.

  • Reduce fabric in your living room that dust mites and other allergens can cling to and hide under.
  • Choose leather or vinyl furniture over fabric pieces.
  • Throw out the throw pillows. They are usually hard to clean, so they can easily collect dust, mites, and dander.
  • Instead of curtains, hang blinds you can dust often. If you choose fabric curtains, choose ones you can wash in 130 F hot water regularly.
  • Wash throw blankets weekly in 130 F hot water and use Kanberra Laundry Additive for additional cleaning power.
  • Remove clutter.
  • Dust ceiling fans and electronic often.

Kitchen – The kitchen is a common place to find allergens like mold and pests like cockroaches. These allergens can affect you all year long.

  • Fix leaks from your sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator water line.
  • Remove mold – check sinks, inside cabinets, produce bins, trash cans, and refrigerator seals.
  • Clean your in-sink garbage disposal with baking soda and white vinegar.
  • When buying produce, wash it before you put it away. Throw out produce before it grows mold, and clean your refrigerator bins often.
  • Don't leave sources of water and food out at night for cockroaches. Remember to put away your pet's dishes too.
  • Use lids on trash cans.
  • Store food in your pantry in airtight containers.
  • Clean up spills right away.
  • Don't let dirty dishes pile up on the counter or in your sink.
  • Use roach baits instead of sprays to control cockroaches.
  • Wipe down the tops of your cabinets and vent hood with warm, soapy water. These areas are often overlooked.

Cleaning – Establishing a regular cleaning routine to remove allergens is essential. It's equally crucial that cleaning does not make your indoor air quality worse.

  • Wear a mask when cleaning or have someone else do the cleaning while you leave the area.
  • Use unscented or homemade cleaners or use a CERTIFIED household cleaner.
  • Avoid high VOC products. Look for products labeled low VOCs and only use them in well-ventilated areas.
  • Avoid aerosol cleaning products.
  • Use a CERTIFIED vacuum weekly. Vacuum/mop under all furniture and vacuum furniture.
  • Wash curtains and rugs in water 130 F degrees or hotter and use Kanberra Laundry Additive for additional cleaning power.
  • Dust behind furniture, like dressers and nightstands.
  • Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.
  • Dust high closet shelves.
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