How do you clean the air in your house?

As professional domestic cleaners there isn’t much in your home that we cannot get sparkling and looking like new but, there is no cleaning product known to us that can directly clean the air in your home with a quick spray or two.  However, there are a few easy things you can do regularly that will really improve the air quality in your house and in turn, directly impact your health.  Here are a few suggestions…

Ventilate your home

There are many reasons why the air within our homes becomes polluted with toxins.  Tiny particles from mould spores, house dust, pollen, cleaning products cosmetics, gas cookers, all hang around in the air and over time, can have a real effect on our health.  One of the simplest things you can do to improve the air quality in your home is open a window and ventilate your house.  It is particularly helpful when using the cooker, having a shower, or carrying out renovation works.  You do not have to leave the window open constantly, regular bursts of fresh air throughout the day will help alleviate pollutants that have accumulated.

The power of plants

Many houseplants work hard at cleaning our air of toxins and releasing humidity back into the atmosphere.  Aloe Vera boasts impressive air purifying skills, emitting oxygen at night whilst at the same time taking in carbon dioxide – something we naturally produce when breathing.  So, Aloe Vera not only cleans the air but helps us enjoy a good night’s sleep too!  Try a snake plant (or a Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ for those in the know!) for filtering out toxins commonly found in cleaning and personal care products.  Place one in your bathroom and it will thrive on the low light and steamy humid conditions while helping filter out air pollutants.  These plants are also known as mother-in-law’s tongue (we can only presume this is due to their tongue like shape and sharp margins of their leaves).

Keep things clean

There is no surprise that we should mention cleaning!  But, regular cleaning at home will really help keep basic things like house dust under control.  House dust-mites are common to trigger allergies so keeping them at bay is important.  A daily whizz round with the vacuum cleaner will tackle the dust and will also suck up any pollen or bacteria that has snuck in on anyone’s shoes or coat, as well as pet dander for those of us with furry friends.  Pet fur and dander can cause you to develop asthma-like symptoms or exacerbate your asthma if it already exists.  Vacuuming floors and furnishings regularly with a HEPA filter will really help trap a large number of particles that would otherwise simply recirculate back into the air of your home.

Keep your eye out in the darker, damp susceptible areas around your home as damp leads to condensation, which encourages mould and other fungi to grow.  Mould is a common house guest that tends to linger in such areas as your bathroom or utility room (or wherever the washing machine and tumble drier lives).  Mould releases tiny spores into the air that if left, will build up over time and can trigger some nasty health problems.  Making a few changes to help reduce interior condensation such as using extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen, opening windows after showers to help circulate the air in the room, prevent leaky roofs, dry your washing outside when possible, remove mould straight away, and wipe down your windowsills regularly, will really make a difference.

Light the way

Candles are a popular choice for the home, primarily because they smell nice but, did you know that they can give off nasty toxins?  It’s true, most scented candles contain paraffin wax which, when burnt, releases toxic chemicals into the air and long-term exposure can be harmful.  Instead, consider choosing a soy or beeswax candle instead to create the scented, candlelit look you’re after.

We understand that more and more of us are leading incredibly busy lives – jobs to go to, children to look after, friends and family to see and a life to lead, doesn’t leave much time for cleaning and chores.  If you would like some help, whether on a regular basis or a just a one off professional clean, don’t hesitate to call us.  We would love to help.