The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. The level of IAQ you have depends on how you prevent contaminants from entering your interiors. This is why controlling indoor pollutants helps lower the risk of health issues in your family.
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality
Cleanliness in the home should not be limited to cleaning surfaces that you see. There are thousands of dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that can affect your health. Indoor air pollutants can cause health issues due to short-term or long-term exposure. Simple conditions such as eye irritation, headaches, and dizziness may be due to repeated exposure to harmful pollutants. Constant exposure to pollutants can also cause allergies or asthma attacks in family members with sensitive respiratory systems.
Sources of Indoor Pollutants
Some indoor pollutants come from outside the home, such as smoke and pollen. But many innocuous home appliances and features also generate contaminants that circulate in every home. Inadequate ventilation and cleaning processes can increase indoor pollutant levels.
Common sources of indoor pollutants include:
- Appliances that use fuel
- Building materials (newly installed flooring or carpet, certain types of wood furniture)
- Strong cleaning materials
- HVAC systems and humidifiers
- Pesticides for indoor plants
- Pet dander
Improving Indoor Air Quality
1. Control the Source
The easiest and most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate or control the source of the pollutants. One example is to adjust your gas stove to decrease emissions or exchange it for an electric cooking appliance. When installing new furniture and other interior décor, make sure to choose safe and hypoallergenic materials. Use milder cleaning materials that won’t leave harmful residue on surfaces and in the air.
2. Improve Ventilation
It can be difficult to improve indoor air quality if you have an ineffective ventilation system. Opening windows and installing exhaust fans in critical areas (kitchen, bathroom, attic, basement) can help improve airflow within your home.
Outdoor ventilation rate is especially crucial if you indulge in hobbies such as painting, cooking, soldering, welding, or paint stripping. It’s important to bring in outdoor air, whether it’s through natural or mechanical ventilation.
3. Effective Cleaning Methods
Not all cleaning methods are created and implemented the same way. Carelessly sweeping the floor will only disturb pollutants that have settled on the floor and will do nothing to eliminate them entirely.
Dust mites and pet dander are found in every corner of the home. Regular deep cleaning is the most effective way to get rid of them. This will improve indoor air quality in your home. Washing curtains, upholstery, and carpets will go a long way in getting rid of embedded dirt and dust.
Professional cleaning services have all the experience, equipment, and materials needed to clean all the surfaces of your home thoroughly. Don’t wait for dust to gather on your shelves and furnishings. Scheduling regular housekeeping services is a fantastic, cost-effective way to maintain good indoor air quality and keep all members of your household safe and healthy.
Conclusion
When indoors, it’s impossible to know if you’re breathing clean air. There are so many indoor pollutants invisible to the eye, and they can cause severe health issues. The best way to get rid of them is to get at the root of the problem and ensure that all surfaces of your home are as clean as possible. Professional housekeeping services can accomplish this task for you.
The Dream Clean Team provides house cleaning services in Fort Walton Beach, FL. We offer bi-monthly, monthly, or one-time standard services as well as deep home cleaning to deal with a significant buildup of dirt and debris in your home. Book an appointment with our cleaners today!
