Simple ways to minimise toxins and improve the air quality inside your home.
You’ve vacuumed the floor, wiped down every surface and scattered the cushions just so. But does clean and tidy equal healthy? Not necessarily. Toxins in the home can come from carpet, furniture, walls, air fresheners, and myriad other sources. Natural causes that are out of our control like bushfire smoke, dust, and air pollution can also compromise the air quality not just outside but inside our homes, too.
While avoiding air pollution completely is impossible, these health-boosting tips for your home will help to minimise toxins and improve air quality tenfold.
1. INCREASE VENTILATION
Toxins in the home can come from carpet, furniture, walls, air fresheners and a range of other sources. The most effective and easiest way to reduce or dilute these toxins is to invite fresh air into your home. Keeping the windows open as much as possible is an easy way to ensure your home is well-ventilated. Ceiling fans can also help to up the airflow, which is key to avoiding excess moisture, and in turn, mould and mildew.
2. INVEST IN AN AIR-PURIFIER
While keeping your home well ventilated is an easy way to improve airflow, if the air outside isn’t the best quality, or it’s too cold or hot to keep the windows open for prolonged periods, how do you keep the air inside your home fresh and clean? An air purifier is the answer.
Air purifiers remove ultra-fine dust particles, pollutants, bacteria, allergens, and bad odours from indoor rooms – which is particularly important in bedrooms as we tend to sleep with windows and doors closed for up to 10 hours a night (if you’re lucky).
“Even if you manage to get a full night sleep, air pollution can decrease the quality and benefits of your sleep,” says Dr Ginni Mansberg. “When trying to improve the air quality in your bedroom, one of the most important considerations should be ventilation, which is why open windows, and a high-quality air purifier are the essentials of creating a healthier sleep environment.”
3. RETHINK FLOOR FURNISHINGS
While freshly cleaned carpet looks great, the chemicals used are often heavily toxic and can leave harmful fumes and residue. Look to natural alternatives – this is particularly important if you have children who will be playing and crawling on the carpet. Implementing a ‘no shoes inside’ policy can be useful for avoiding external toxins and dirt being walked in from outside.
4. ADD AN AIR-PURIFYING PLANT
A few carefully selected plants dotted around your living area will not only improve air quality, but can also help to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. According to a study by NASA, the most efficient plants for purifying the air and removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include aloe, peace lily, spider plant, chrysanthemum and bamboo palm. Excuse us while we quickly dash out to the nursery!
5. USE NON-TOXIC (WATER BASED) PAINT
Synthetic paints, particularly oil-based paints, contain VOCs and other harmful chemicals that are linked to negative effects on health. If you’re thinking about updating your living room with a fresh coat, be sure to check that your chosen paint is VOC-free – as well as natural and biodegradable if possible – before purchasing.
6. KEEP CLUTTER (AND DUST) AT BAY
If you suffer from allergies, hayfever or breathing and sinus issues, it’s crucial to keep on top of dust with the right cleaning methods. Dusting regular with a damp microfibre cloth and vacuuming straight after, will not only help to stop you from sneezing and sniffling but will also keep your home looking its best. Keeping your home consistently tidy and clutter-free will make light work of dusting and vacuuming and prevent dust from building up in hidden hotspots. Focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to furnishings and keep smaller items packed away into drawers or baskets where they won’t attract dust.
7. REMOVE PET HAIR AND DANDER
You mightn’t let your dog or cat up on the couch but if they are inside, they’re still shedding hair and dander wherever it is they like to wander or lie.
“Loose pet dander can be hidden all around the house and trigger short-term allergies in vulnerable people such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and shortness of breath,” says Dr Ginni. “Using a strong, pet-friendly vacuum is a great way to uphold air quality and wellbeing in the home.”
Even if your pet doesn’t shed a lot of hair, it’s best to invest in a great vacuum cleaner and, for better results, use it in tandem with an air purifier because while hair is usually easy to see, dander isn’t, and can become airborne, especially after you vacuum.
8. OPT FOR NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
Carpet cleaners, stain removers, air fresheners… these household cleaning products promise a clean home, however, most are doing the exact opposite. Replace these nasty, chemical-laden products with DIY natural cleaners or store-bough eco-friendly cleaning products to take a big step towards a toxin-free household.
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