Spring Cleaning: A Guide to Improving Air Quality and Creating a Toxin-Free Home
As you progress through the winter, you may have noticed that the dust has settled, literally. Your home sees a lot of indoor activity through the winter, and as dust builds up, it can leave the surfaces of your home in need of a thorough scrub. Spring is a great time to open the windows in your home and complete that full, deep clean that you’ve been putting off.
If you’re thinking, “It’s time to pull out the Clorox,” you may want to think again. Many store-bought cleaning products contain high amounts of ammonia and other substances that aren’t good for your home’s air quality. According to the American Lung Association, the use of these products can be linked to respiratory problems, eye irritation, headaches and other varying health problems, including cancer.
This spring, we’re encouraging our customers try these eco-friendly spring-cleaning tips.
Turn to Common Household Products that Double as Natural Cleaners
Replace your dehydrating dish soap with baking soda. Baking soda is great for getting grease and residue out of your pots and pans, but can also be used as a deodorizing product. Lightly sprinkle some baking soda over your carpets before your next vacuum to keep your home fresh and clean.
Polish your furniture with lemon or olive oil. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt or baking soda is perfect for polishing stainless steel and chrome items. For wood furniture, use a quarter cup of olive oil along with a few drops of vinegar to leave your decor looking brand new.
Replace your all-purpose cleaner and use vinegar. Did you know that store-bought cleaning products that are advertised to perform different tasks often have almost the exact same ingredients? We might own seven different sprays that are the same thing. Create your own solution of distilled vinegar and warm water to clean the surfaces of your kitchen and bathrooms with less hassle and zero toxins.
Use hydrogen peroxide to get out tough stains. Get out of the habit of running to bleach or other fabric cleaners to remove stains and try using hydrogen peroxide as an alternative.
Regularly Change Your Air Filters
One of the quickest ways to improve the air quality of your home is to change your heating and air system’s filter. Your filter helps to eliminate allergens, dust, dander and other microscopic debris from your home’s air. Not changing a dirty air filter could lead to more dust in your home and could have adverse effects on your health. It also could lead to higher energy bills, as your system works harder to cool your home when your filter is dirty. For best results, you should change your filter every one to three months.
Find a Replacement for Your Air Freshener
Replace the plug-ins and aerosol cans with organic air fresheners. Store-bought deodorizing products only mask odors with a strong, chemically infused scent. Essential oils can be a great way to make your own air freshener. Simply use a small spray bottle to mix water with a few drops of organic essential oil. Potpourri also is a decorative way to accent your home with light, natural scents. Finally, you can use your stove top to diffuse scents. Keep a sauce pan on low heat with water and two or three cinnamon sticks to add a warm scent to your day.
Dusting: the Chore No One Wants
Dusting is probably one of the most overlooked chores, but also one of the most essential. Dusting reduces the allergens throughout your home, preventing puffy eyes and stuffy noses especially while trying to avoid the heaps of pollen outdoors in the spring. Use a damp rag instead of wasting paper towels, and make sure to dust regularly.
Add Plants to Your Home
Adding indoor plants to your home will add a touch of comfort and warmth into your living space and boost your air quality by acting as a natural purifier. Read our blog on 5 Houseplants for Improving the Air Quality in Your Home to find out which plants are best to brighten your home.
These solutions to improve the air quality in your home, along with yearly heating and air conditioning maintenance, are key to finding comfort in your day-to-day life. If you have questions regarding the air quality in your home, give Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (850) 580-4029.
