Since you spend about 90% of your time indoors, the air you breathe inside is really important – especially if someone in your home has asthma or allergies. Making your home healthier for you and for your family, doesn’t have to involve complicated retrofits or expensive installations. Here are 5 things you can do right now to improve your indoor air quality!

LEAVE YOUR SHOES AT THE DOOR
Dirt, dust, contaminants, and pesticides come into your house with you so leaving shoes at the door, keeps the “outside” from being tracked through your house!

UN-SCENT YOUR LAUNDRY
The “fresh” scent of your clean laundry, comes from a combination of chemicals which can be damaging to human health. Not only do you get a concentrated hit while you are unloading laundry, but it accompanies your sheets, towels, and clothes throughout your house. Switch to organic, unscented detergents, softeners, and dryer sheets.

OPEN A WINDOW
Active ventilation works to keep fresh air circulating, to help toxins escape, and to regulate indoor humidity. Even on cold, rainy, or snowy days, it can make sense to crack a window! However, if you are particularly sensitive to outdoor pollutants or odors, keep an eye on local conditions – there may be days when it is better for you to keep your windows closed.

DRY YOUR FRONT-LOADER
Front-loading washing machines are prone to mold developing around the gasket so make sure you dry the rubber ring inside the door when you are done and leave the door ajar so the rest of the moisture can evaporate.

RUN YOUR BATH FAN
Less moisture, less chance of mold. Run bath fans while bathing and for 2 hours after to keep moisture to a minimum in your bathrooms. Don’t have a bath fan – install one!