Most people think of air pollution as something outside (smog or ozone in the air). Though it may be hard to believe, the indoor air quality of our homes and offices can be more polluted than the air outside. The air we breathe can harm us, not only because of allergens that enter from outside but also because of the products we saturate our homes with.
Tobacco smoke, lead (in house dust), formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon, even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners are the most significant sources of indoor air pollution. Some pollutants are tracked into the home on your shoes. New furniture, cleaning products, or a coat of paint on the walls can have an impact on indoor air quality.
Indoor air pollution has become much more important recently because we are spending more time indoors. Most newer homes are airtight and irritants can’t easily escape. We are exposed to a greater degree than we were in the past.
HERE ARE 4 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME:
1. Keep your floors clean.
- Suck it up. With consistent vacuuming and carpet cleaning, you can help prevent the buildup of dirt, dust mites, and other allergens.
- Mop it up. Mopping picks up the dust that vacuuming leaves behind.
- Keep it out. Put a large floor mat at every door. A door mat reduces the amount of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants from peoples’ shoes.
2. Clean Green.
Many of the common cleaning products you use have harsh chemicals that can affect your home, health, and the environment.
There are big differences between cleaning products. Many of the grocery store cleaners (ie, window cleaner) sold have propylene glycol in it. You wouldn’t want it on your kitchen countertops where you cook dinner, the fabric on your favorite lounging sofa, or the carpet that you play on with your children and pets. This chemical is a key component used in antifreeze. If your skin comes into contact with propylene glycol, it absorbs directly into your bloodstream. Choosing a cleaning product made with the same chemicals as antifreeze may not be the healthiest choice for you or your family.
For a healthier choice, use a soap-free, odor-free, and non-toxic cleaner with the same ingredients used in water purification, food preservation, and even toothpaste. In fact, not only do soap-free cleaners not use these chemicals, but they also work better. When used correctly, these cleaners leave no residue, so they clean better, and they don’t damage the surfaces in your home. Your home is an investment, and you should use the products that will best maintain its condition.
If you are environmentally aware and want a product that prioritizes your family’s health, request our soap-free, odor-free, and non-toxic cleaner for your carpet, rugs, and upholstery.
3. Stop mold growth.
If you’ve ever had your carpets professionally cleaned, you know how loud it can be if you’re out by the truck. The motors are so powerful and really give your carpets the deep cleaning that they need. We can get rid of stains and odors in your carpeting that you could not get out. Hiring professional carpet cleaning service providers can ensure clean and neat carpets while leaving you free to do other more important things.
- Mold loves moisture. Given the right conditions it only takes mold two days to begin growing in damp areas.
- Fix any leaks to prevent moisture-loving mold.
- Empty drip pans in your window air conditioner
- Call Commercial Cleaning and Restoration with your indoor plumbing mishaps and, of course, monsoon water damage concerns to begin the drying process immediately!
Water that runs across the ground and enters your home is called “flooding”. This is not covered by your regular homeowners insurance. Monsoons surprise everyone each year, don’t get caught in an area that gets flooded without having flood insurance. Talk to your insurance agent now.
4. Test your indoor air.
Indoor air pollution is a hidden cause of many health problems, including allergies, asthma, and cancer. For that reason, your home may be a candidate for Commercial Cleaning and Restoration’s air quality testing.
- Test the leading offenders.
- Mold and pollen
- Fiberglass
- Vehicular carbon exhaust
- Allergenic plant particles
- Natural and artificial fibers
- General airborne dust level
- Improve air quality.
- Air quality tends to be worse when there is no flow of fresh air from the outside. Open your windows from time to time.
- Clean the house safely without the use of toxic chemicals
- Avoid perfumes and air fresheners
- Control indoor pet issues
- Use a good air purifier
Change your HVAC filter every 30 days or sooner if needed. Filters with a MERV rating 5 to 8 is a good start. The higher the rating the more particulates it removes, but you will have to change it more frequently.
Having your floors cleaned professionally is one of the best way to ensure that your air quality is improved. We suggest professional cleaning every six to twelve months. If you have pets in the home or suffer from allergies, you should consider more frequent cleanings.
Contact us if you have a mess that can’t wait! We’re in this Together!
Carpet • Tile • Area Rugs • Upholstered Furniture
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