Breathe Clean Air in Your New Home
SUBMITTED BY Highline Residential on January 28, 2019
Congratulations - you're about to move into your new home! However, there is a critical step before moving in completely: you have to make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned. Even if it has been given a full cleaning before the sale, you should still take care to get your new home sparkling before you move in, as this will calm your emotions about the move and can even keep you mentally and physically healthier. While sweeping and mopping are important steps, focus on your new home's air quality first to make it a happy, breathable space. Here are some ways you can get started immediately.
Causes of Poor Air Quality
While the floors might be the first task you think of when you consider cleaning your house, it would behoove you to begin with a task that affects the entire house but is commonly forgotten. Air quality is a critical part of a clean home. Some of the most common causes of poor air quality are secondhand cigarette smoke, mildew and mold, certain chemicals and paints, pests, improper ventilation, and even outdoor pollution. The effects vary - respiratory effects like breathing issues, itchy eyes and throat, headaches, and fatigue can often be misattributed to the common cold.
Eliminate Allergens in Your Home
Even if you don't suffer from seasonal allergies, you may still be affected by the presence of allergens in your home. Start by checking for mold and dust in areas that are often forgotten, such as the draperies and any houseplants. (It's recommended that you give your curtains a thorough cleaning every three to six months. It's easy if they're machine washable - just toss them into the washing machine, then let them dry in the sun. Some curtains may require dry cleaning, so always check the label beforehand.) Similarly, if your home has carpet, give it a thorough cleaning. Also, if it's been at least five years since you purchased a new mattress, it might be time to get a new one. Although newer mattresses can benefit from cleaning, older ones have likely accumulated dust, allergens, dust mites, and bacteria over the years, all of which can trigger allergies. Search around online to find a new mattress that will make life in your new home cozy and comfortable.
Also, check your cleaning products before using them on the entire house - natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are much better for your lungs than artificial toxins. Once you're ready to clean your entire home, make a checklist and go room by room, cleaning every possible surface.
Ways to Improve Air Quality
Improving air quality depends a good deal on the layout and location of your home. Sometimes, better air quality comes with additional ventilation. If the weather is nice, open the windows to let a cross breeze in and pollutants out. It's also important that you change your air filters regularly - dirty filters are significantly less effective. Various brands of air purifiers are also available to help expedite the cleaning process. Some even can be added to your home's central heating and cooling systems to effortlessly eliminate dust particles and bacteria in the whole house. Similarly, if you live in a humid area, you may wish to consider a dehumidifier to prevent the spread of mold. Mold and mildew can be dangerous to the respiratory system and can even trigger asthma attacks, so be sure to use a purifier and dehumidifier to prevent their spread. Some pollutants are less obvious than others. Dust, pet dander, and mold are relatively easy to identify, but harmful gases may require more detailed measures like a carbon monoxide detector. You can also improve the air quality in your home by making your home a no-smoking zone. Finally, be sure to vacuum and dust regularly.
No matter how excited you are to move into your new home, you will make your living situation much more comfortable and healthy by giving it a thorough cleaning before it's move-in ready. Start by ensuring good air quality, and remember to regularly change your air filters!
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Causes of Poor Air Quality
While the floors might be the first task you think of when you consider cleaning your house, it would behoove you to begin with a task that affects the entire house but is commonly forgotten. Air quality is a critical part of a clean home. Some of the most common causes of poor air quality are secondhand cigarette smoke, mildew and mold, certain chemicals and paints, pests, improper ventilation, and even outdoor pollution. The effects vary - respiratory effects like breathing issues, itchy eyes and throat, headaches, and fatigue can often be misattributed to the common cold.
Eliminate Allergens in Your Home
Even if you don't suffer from seasonal allergies, you may still be affected by the presence of allergens in your home. Start by checking for mold and dust in areas that are often forgotten, such as the draperies and any houseplants. (It's recommended that you give your curtains a thorough cleaning every three to six months. It's easy if they're machine washable - just toss them into the washing machine, then let them dry in the sun. Some curtains may require dry cleaning, so always check the label beforehand.) Similarly, if your home has carpet, give it a thorough cleaning. Also, if it's been at least five years since you purchased a new mattress, it might be time to get a new one. Although newer mattresses can benefit from cleaning, older ones have likely accumulated dust, allergens, dust mites, and bacteria over the years, all of which can trigger allergies. Search around online to find a new mattress that will make life in your new home cozy and comfortable.
Also, check your cleaning products before using them on the entire house - natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are much better for your lungs than artificial toxins. Once you're ready to clean your entire home, make a checklist and go room by room, cleaning every possible surface.
Ways to Improve Air Quality
Improving air quality depends a good deal on the layout and location of your home. Sometimes, better air quality comes with additional ventilation. If the weather is nice, open the windows to let a cross breeze in and pollutants out. It's also important that you change your air filters regularly - dirty filters are significantly less effective. Various brands of air purifiers are also available to help expedite the cleaning process. Some even can be added to your home's central heating and cooling systems to effortlessly eliminate dust particles and bacteria in the whole house. Similarly, if you live in a humid area, you may wish to consider a dehumidifier to prevent the spread of mold. Mold and mildew can be dangerous to the respiratory system and can even trigger asthma attacks, so be sure to use a purifier and dehumidifier to prevent their spread. Some pollutants are less obvious than others. Dust, pet dander, and mold are relatively easy to identify, but harmful gases may require more detailed measures like a carbon monoxide detector. You can also improve the air quality in your home by making your home a no-smoking zone. Finally, be sure to vacuum and dust regularly.
No matter how excited you are to move into your new home, you will make your living situation much more comfortable and healthy by giving it a thorough cleaning before it's move-in ready. Start by ensuring good air quality, and remember to regularly change your air filters!
Photo Credit: Pixabay