Improve Your Apartment’s Air by Following These Simple Tips

Sometimes, a breath of fresh air is all you need to clear your head. Unfortunately, clean air can sometimes be hard to come by , even in the comfort of your own home. 

While you may not be able to immediately change the air quality of your city, there’s plenty you can do today to clean up the indoor air quality of your apartment. Here are four simple things you can do to ensure the air you breathe at home is clean and doing your body good.

One indoor air pollutant that many don’t know about is volatile organic compounds, or VOCs , which can be hazardous to your health. Two common sources of VOCs are furniture and cleaning products . By choosing naturally sourced furniture, or by airing out furniture prior to bringing it into your home (a process called “ off-gassing ”), you can reduce your exposure. Additionally, clean with all-natural cleaning supplies or by making your own solution. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are just some of the effective and natural ingredients you can use to clean.

One of the cheapest and simplest ways to improve your air quality is to open your windows . When you live in a smaller space, pollutants can become concentrated from the products you use (hairspray, perfume, etc.) and the foods you cook. By opening the windows, you’ll easily exchange the indoor air for its outdoor counterpart, which has been shown to be less contaminated . 

Did you know that by housing plants in your apartment, you might just develop cleaner indoor air ? Contaminants like benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene can all be reduced by plant life. Pick a variety in order to reduce multiple types of pollutants. Snag one of these during your next Home Depot run and let it work its green magic.

Last but not least, air purifiers are one of the best methods to clean your indoor air. Don’t let the cost stop you from purchasing one; they are worth the investment in your health! Air purifiers help neutralize smoke, remove bad odors, reduce allergens released by pets, and trap dust. They also don’t take up much space and come in plenty of discreet and sleek designs. 

Clean air makes for a happy heart and happy lungs! Take an immediate step toward better health by using natural cleaning products, opening the windows regularly, adding plant life to your apartment, and investing in an air purifier.