SPRING!!!
Yes, regardless of the reports of snow in some parts of the country spring is really here. Spring cleaning comes right along with it. Honestly, not a big fan. However, it is important and some fairly simple changes in how we go about it can actually improve our indoor air quality. Improving our indoor air quality really is important. Its important for our health and especially for those who have asthma or suffer from allergies (which are particularly difficult in the spring). Anyway, I have come across some really good tips and I am in the habit of sharing. So here goes.
First, opt for fragrance -free cleaning products. No, I’m not the fragrance-free police. If you have the other stuff, by all means, use it up. But, when restocking opt for the unscented/fragrance-free varieties. In case you weren’t aware those “wonderfully smelling cleaning products are full of petroleum-based chemicals which are horrible for our indoor breathing atmosphere. Suffice it to say go with the fragrance-free.
Next, not only is using fragrance-free a great idea using your own homemade concoctions. If it was good enough for our grandmothers who are we to thumb our noses at it. Try using things you probably already have around the house. Things like baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, hydrogen peroxide, and more. There are tons of DIY sites that can help you with what to use for different things. You can also add essential oils to enhance the cleaning properties and make them more appealing to the nose. So, not only will you be making the quality of your indoor air better you may even save a few bucks.
Then, if you happen to be in need of a new vacuum consider one with a HEPA filter. There are lots of them out there. A HEPA filter vacuum can remove 99.7% of the allergens (.03 microns) from your space. In laymen terms they suck up pretty much everything. They are a little pricier but are so worth it.
Also, you might consider a vapor steam cleaner. They de-germ, disinfect, and eliminate dirt, mildew, mold spores and a variety of allergens from floors, countertops and tile. And, the best part, it uses only water. Again, perfect for improving the indoor air quality.
Lastly, and honestly it goes without saying, filters, filters, filters. Clean and or replace : furnace filters, air conditioner filters, dryer lint screens, vacuum cleaners, range hood screens, bathroom exhaust fan grilles, etc. And if you decide you need more invest in a good air purifier.
Source: http://consumers.ul.com/articles/5-spring-cleaning-ideas-to-improve-indoor-air-quality/
All these tips along with some good old fashioned elbow grease will have your home the spring cleaniest and your indoor air will be better than ever before.
If you have questions or need more information on how to improve your indoor air quality please call us or visit our site.