Domestic environment: how to improve the air quality in your home
How can we maintain a healthy home environment where there is clean air? Despite the fact that most people tend to worry about outdoor pollution, the domestic environment can also be ‘contaminated’ and for this reason it is essential to be aware of certain points which we will discuss below.
1- Ventilate your home
Letting air into the home at least once a day and allowing the sun’s rays to reach the dampest areas reduces the accumulation of dust mites which can be harmful for human health. Furthermore, it is essential to open the windows after cooking and after taking a bath or shower.
2- Carry out maintenance on the air conditioner
Considering that the air conditioner filters out dust and pollens, it is important to carry out regular maintenance to keep the filters in perfect working order. They can be cleaned by washing in soap and water, but the level of gas and the condenser should be checked by a professional.
3- Check all gas appliances
In order to avoid any release of unpleasant toxic odours in your home, it is a good idea to check all gas appliances periodically; including of course the heating system, but also stoves, gas fires, extractor fans etc.
4- Choose cleaning products carefully
A lot of domestic cleaning products can irritate the eyes and skin, so it is better to choose ecological solutions such as vinegar or bicarbonate. During cleaning it is also important to open the windows to let any harmful substances disperse.
5- Take care when choosing furniture and textiles for the home
By choosing furniture and textiles carefully you can avoid the home being contaminated by the chemical known as formaldehyde. Take care too that the glues used in parquet flooring and the paint on the walls are non-toxic.
In addition to these five practical tips, it is possible to make your home healthier by putting in some plants such as Sanseviera, which converts carbon trioxide into oxygen or Ficus Benjamina which absorbs formaldehyde.
Regular dusting can also be a good way to make the air cleaner, because dust particles contain lots of pollutants which are then deposited on furniture, sheets and shelves.
These are the points to remember in the home: a few practical suggestions to follow each day to make your home environment healthier.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
