Traffic congestion. Billowing smoke from factories. These are probably some images that come to your mind when you think of air pollution.
But, what about indoor air pollution? The truth is, the air quality in your home can be just as bad, if not worse than it is outdoors. For the past two years, most of us have spent the majority of our time cooped up at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It’s highlighted the importance of maintaining a good quality of indoor air in removing allergens, pollutants, viruses, and bacteria that could be circulating in our homes.
The good news? The steps to improve your indoor air quality is easy, and probably one that makes the most impact is cleaning your curtains with professional curtain laundry service.
Why Is It Important to Clean Curtains?
Curtains, no matter how beautiful they are, attract dirt, dust, and other particles over time. They not only damage the fabric and make your curtains look dull, but can also spread allergens in the air. These can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. In damp conditions, curtains are also prone to mould and mildew which can release spores into the air and cause serious respiratory problems.
Laundry experts recommend getting your curtains cleaned every 3-6 months to effectively remove the buildup of all sorts of contaminants on its fabrics—dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke, stains, etc.—that can significantly affect your family’s health. It is also essential to improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier environment in your home.
When you have a family member who is prone to suffering from allergies, the more you should prioritise cleaning your space. Check out the other ways you can improve your indoor air quality at home.
Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
- Keep your rugs and carpets clean
Besides curtains, rugs and carpets in your home are also magnets for dirt. They act like air filters that trap dust and other particles deep within their fibres. Vacuum your carpets and rugs weekly, spot treat stains immediately, and schedule for professional carpet and rug cleaning at least every 12 months to remove tough dirt, grime, and allergens.
- Control humidity
Humidity and most conditions are the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew which, as said above, can trigger respiratory issues like asthma and other allergies. You can regulate the amount of moisture in your home and maintain consistent, comfortable humidity levels by placing dehumidifiers in your home.
- Bring the outside in
When you’re looking to improve indoor air quality in your home, may we suggest bringing air-purifying plants inside? A NASA study found that some plants are better at scrubbing the air clean of toxic pollutants, dust, germs, and bacteria. These include snake plant, areca palm, aloe vera, spider plant, Chinese evergreen, and rubber plant to name a few. Plants like ferns and lilies are also great options in pulling contaminants out of the air.
- Change air filters
Air-conditioning systems not only cool the air inside your home but also filter out some of the common air pollutants that could otherwise contaminate your indoor air. But, over time their filtering capabilities wear out. It’s better to change your AC filters regularly to keep your air conditioners in their best possible working condition and avoid costly repairs down the road. The same goes for the rest of your appliances that use filters such as vacuum cleaners, clothes dryers, and kitchen vents. It’s recommended to clean and/or replace these household filters every few months or so.
- Open your windows
This is by far the easiest step and one that will not cost you time or energy. If you don’t have an exhaust fan or your home is not vented properly, open your windows every once in a while to let the fresh air in. If possible, do so as well while you cook, especially when you use a gas range. How long you should open your windows depends on your external conditions, but it’s preferred to do it a few times a day or for longer periods at once.
- Dry Out Damp
Opening your windows is also a great way to prevent condensation from building up. Other ways to control humidity that attracts dust mites, mold, mildew, and viruses is to keep the door shut when taking a hot shower, turn on the exhaust fan, hang clothes outside to dry, and cover pans when cooking.
- Keep your home smoke-free
There are over 7,000 chemicals found in second-hand smoke. What’s worse is that these toxic particles remain harmful for up to 5 hours, so it just makes sense to ban smoking in your home. This is particularly necessary when you have kids, seniors, and/or pets at home. The same goes for candles, incense sticks, and anything that releases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide into the air when burned.
- Invest in air purifiers
The best air purifiers trap and remove up to 100% of pollutants in the air. It works by drawing in dirty air, filtering it, and releasing it back cleaner and fresher. Some also work by releasing negative ions into the air to neutralise airborne contaminants—viruses and bacteria.
Overall, maintaining good quality indoor air is a matter of cleaning your home properly and regularly. Dust and wipe the surface to remove dust, dirt, grime, viruses and bacteria. Wash your rugs, curtains, and bedding on schedule, and take the necessary precautions to reduce the contaminants that you track in from the outdoors.
Takeaway
Keeping the air you breathe in your home fresh and clean requires diligence and preventive maintenance. Now that you’ve learned the steps to reduce indoor air pollution, consider getting help from a cleaning professional.
Clean Care offers curtain laundry services in Singapore and other professional help. You may need to breathe easy knowing that the indoor air in your home is safe and clean. Visit their website to learn more.
