How To Keep Your Indoor Air Quality As Pure As Possible

One of the central tenants of health is how well we're breathing. But, beyond that, what's in your air makes a big difference as well. From little things like dust to bigger factors such as pollution, your air quality may suffer from daily occurrences and processes. According to Mindbodygreen, PMs, or Particulate Matter particles can pass through our respiratory system and cause health issues down the road.

These illnesses include respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis as well as cardiac issues. PMs are usually common household pollutants including mold, allergens, viruses, bacteria and toxins, the outlet notes. In order to minimize these risks, stick to your cleaning routine and pay attention to what's coming in your front door.

The outlet suggests purchasing a HEPA vacuum — a tool that helps remove these tiny particles from your floors and carpets but ensures those particles don't get recycled into the air. Make sure to change the filters on your machine, however, and do the same for your ducts and vents. Especially since the air in your home circulates through these areas, trapped particles can release into the air if you haven't cleaned your vents in a while.

We know, we know, dusting is probably low on your list of favorite things to do. But, in order to keep the PMs from flying around your home, you'll need to run over your surfaces with a duster relatively frequently. Mindbodygreen suggests ensuring you wipe dust-magnet places, like the top of your cabinets, shelves and baseboards, as often as possible.

The other main culprit for releasing PMs into the air is mold and stagnant water. Make sure to check around your home for water-dense spots and clean thoroughly. Good HouseKeeping suggests fixing any leaks around your space to ensure that mold and mildew don't grow. Plus, the moist areas don't have to grow into mold to become dangerous. Damp areas can cause health issues as well, the outlet notes. Install dehumidifiers in your bathroom, kitchen and basement to help lower the level of moisture throughout your home and thus minimize your risk of PM exposure.

Furthermore, it's wise to open your windows frequently to provide better ventilation throughout your space. Especially in your kitchen where fumes may build up, make sure to crack a window or a door to keep you and your family safe.

Having a high quality of indoor air involves more than an occasional dusting. Make sure you're protecting your space and breathing clean oxygen!