Is cleaning impacting your indoor air quality? It could be improving your air, but only if it’s done right. Find out if you’re dirtying your air by cleaning your home. Dust particles, allergens, and chemical residues can settle onto the surfaces of your home, and if cleaning isn’t done correctly, it can worsen your indoor air quality. These tips can help you clean your home and keep your air fresh:
Sweep up bigger items, but a whole home sweep can worsen air quality.
Wet clean when you can, using a Swiffer or something similar, which will trap dust particles instead of kicking them up into the air.
Regular (weekly) use of a good quality vacuum with a HEPA filter will remove microscopic contaminants from the home. Vacuums without HEPA filters can spread ultrafine particles that lessen indoor air quality, and those with bags can trap bacteria for months. HEPA filters can easily be replaced after 6 months (never try to wash and reuse the filters or it can damage their effectiveness).
Dust with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid sprays and polishers that pollute the air.
