5 Easy Cleaning Tips to Improve Air Quality

August 10th, 2020

As we’re spending more time at home during the global COVID-19 pandemic it’s a good time to review some of the easy things we can do to improve the quality of the indoor air in our homes. Taking two minutes to read these quick cleaning tips could help you and your loved ones breath easier during these uncertain times.

The air specialists at Solution D’Air have extensive knowledge about how to improve air quality with or without overhauling your home heating and cooling HVAC systems. Here are 5 easy cleaning tips to help you improve the air quality in your home using everyday items that you already have at your disposal.

1. Vacuums aren’t just for floors.
A common debate is whether or not to dust your tables and other surfaces before vacuuming the floors. We suggest vacuuming it all at the same time, top down so that the dust particles are sucked right into your vacuum filter instead of hovering in the air and negatively affecting your indoor air quality. Plus, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing the disrupted dust re-settle on your furniture, walls, and floors shortly after you’ve just finished cleaning.

In addition to sucking up the dirt right off your furniture (don’t forget the couch and cushions), use a soft bristled brush to vacuum your crown moulding, walls, window sills, window coverings including curtain, blind or shade hardware, and baseboards. Instead of just shuffling it around, you’ll be removing that dust and dander that plays a big role in maintaining indoor air quality.

And of course, change your vacuum filter or empty the canister regularly to lower the opportunity for bacteria and mould to flourish inside your vacuum cleaner.

2. Windows open while cleaning, please.
Even with using the vacuum to remove dust from your home, there will be particles which are disturbed while you are cleaning your home. By opening your windows while vacuuming and cleaning, you’ll provide an out, literally, for the dust to leave your home.

Opening windows while house cleaning will also improve your indoor air quality by venting out any harsh fumes or odors caused by cleaning chemicals and products.

3. Vents and filters and fans, oh my!
Whether you have central air in your home or not, there are some common hiding places where unseen dust tends to collect and can lower the air quality in your home. Cold air return vents (the ones that suck air in while your HVAC system is running), all kinds of fans including ceiling fans and ventilation fans in the kitchen and washrooms, and any filters you have in your furnace, air conditioner, dehumidifiers, etc. are all things which require regular cleaning in order to improve your indoor air quality. Vacuum or wash these filters when possible, and be sure to follow replacement guidelines in your user manuals.

4. Get out the mop and damp cloth.
Not all dust is visible and can easily be missed when you’re house cleaning with a duster, broom or vacuum. Wiping down the surfaces in your homes with a damp cloth or mop as part of your regular cleaning routine while help you to improve and maintain a high quality of indoor air in your home by catching all of the unseen dust, dander and mites that you may have missed during your first dry swipe. These surfaces include ceilings, walls, mouldings, cabinetry, furniture (soft and hard) as well as floors.

5. Celebrate spring all year round.
If indoor air quality is important to you and your family, doing a deep “spring” clean should happen at least once per season; even more frequently if needed instead of only in the spring.

Cleaning chores such as washing window blinds and curtains, wiping down the high and unseen surfaces above cabinets and shelves, refreshing throw pillows and other soft accessories, and getting right into the corners of your windows and window sills are just a few examples of the often neglected cleaning chores that can all contribute to helping to improve your indoor air quality.

If you have any questions or concerns about the indoor air quality in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to the air specialists at Solution D’Air. Our experienced team is happy to answer your questions and explain some of your options if you are looking to invest in safer air in your home.