Home Air quality

As Posted January 11th 2009 in The Edmonds Beacon

By Cheryl salvati

Winter has settled in nicely and most of us are staying indoors a lot more these days. If you are locking yourself in against the elements you may be exposed to more environmental dust and toxins than you would during warmer months.

 So what can you do to create a healthier home all winter? Glad you asked!!

Let’s look at air quality, we keep our windows open in summer and shut down when it gets cold. This may keep us warmer but the dust has no where to escape. Incorporate fresh air into your daily living space by opening windows a crack while you are home. On warmer days in the 40’s and 50’s, turn the heat down or turn off altogether for a half hour or so and open all windows and doors to completely air out the house.

This will eliminate staleness and help remove the dust. Keeping dust under control will minimize potential allergens in the air.

What else can be done to control dust and maximize indoor air quality?

Have your draperies cleaned as they attract dust, dust mites, pet hair, and dander

Keep bed linens rotated and air the mattresses weekly

Have a professional clean your air ducts

Remove all carpeting and or have carpets professionally cleaned. Use a green carpet cleaning company

Maintain your HVAC filters as instructed. Check, clean or replace filters every two months. Install HEPA filters in their place

Purchase a true HEPA filter vacuum to remove allergens, dander, dust and dust mites, such as a Miele or Dyson brand

If you cook with a gas stove keep the hood fan on while cooking to remove carbon monoxide

Have pets regularly groomed outside of the home

If you are sensitive to dust and dander hire someone to clean and dust your home, if you cannot, wear a mask when cleaning and wet dust where possible

If you are replacing furniture or repainting look for low VOC finishes, building materials and furniture materials.

Did you know most household cleaning products contain chlorine, phenols, ammonias or formaldehydes? These elements can cause damage to lungs upon inhaling. Replacing these products with non-toxic green cleaners will keep your air free of chemical elements and work wonders cleaning your home. Popular green products can be found in most stores or you can make you own using simple ingredients you may already have such as baking soda and vinegar.

For cleaning solution recipes and to learn more go to: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/asthma/facts/greencleaning.htm

I hope these tips will help- keeping your indoor air clean is a breeze. Happy Winter Living

If you have a home or garden question you would like addressed in this section, please write me at info@CHSconcierge.com

Cheryl Salvati is the owner of Coastal Home Services in Richmond Beach