Whether you own or rent, are in a home for a short time or it is your “forever” home there are simple, inexpensive things you can do to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ). Research shows that good IAQ can be a contributor to good health, so taking steps to improve your indoor air is important!
(and for about 20 minutes after you are done).
. Most scented candles, sprays, deodorizers, cleaning/laundry products add chemicals with known health hazards to your indoor air. “Clean” shouldn’t have a smell; switch to products with no added fragrances. Products that carry the EPA Safer Choice label are a great place to start!
Allergens, dander, mold spores, chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and more have been found in common household dust. Dry dusting “stirs” up dust which just resettles on surfaces. Focus on removing dust by using a cloth that traps it.
Three (3) times a year is normally sufficient, but if you live in a polluted area, near wildfires, or have asthma or severe allergies, you may find you need to change more frequently.
Paints, pesticides, solvents, non-green cleaning and laundry products, and other household chemicals should be stored outside of the house. If that isn’t possible, they should be sealed tightly and stored in a cool, dry place away from forced air systems and ducts.
Knicknacks, overstuffed closets, piles of clothes, books or toys (even neat ones) are dust magnets! Keep surfaces and floors as free of clutter as you can and give items in closets a little space so air can circulate.
Taking your shoes off at the door significantly reduces the particulates (like mold and pollen) and chemicals that come in from outside. Doubling up on doormats - one outside the door and one immediately inside the door - at all entry points to the house can also help. It is a good idea to wipe your pet’s paws too!
Using a genuine HEPA vacuum is the best because it will capture the most dirt and keep the particles from getting stirred up while you vacuum.
Hayward Score identifies the major issues in your home that can impact your health and gives you personalized actionable recommendations to fix them!