Developing Natural Cleaning Solutions for Healthier Indoor Air
In our quest for clean and fresh living spaces, we often turn to a wide range of commercial cleaning products that promise sparkling surfaces and a pristine environment. However, what many fail to realize is that these conventional cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution, compromising our health and well-being. Fortunately, there is a growing awareness of the need for natural cleaning solutions that not only keep our homes spotless but also promote healthier indoor air quality.
Indoor air pollution poses significant risks, contributing to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns. Traditional cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that can linger in the air long after their use. By transitioning to natural cleaning solutions, we can minimize these risks and create a safer environment for ourselves and our loved ones. Here are some tips for developing those solutions for your home.
Natural Air Freshener
Of course, we all want our home to smell nice and inviting, but using aerosol air fresheners may not be the best way to spread those enticing scents. Aerosol air fresheners typically contain ethanol, acetone, and acetate – all of which have been linked to causing headaches, nausea, irritation, and breathing problems. Your best bet is to use more natural products to spruce up your home’s scent. You can do so by using herbal potpourri, boiling fruit peels in water and warm spices, or using an aromatherapy device containing your favorite essential oils.
Dust
Dust is the bane of every allergy sufferer’s existence. Not only is it an eyesore, but it can also wreak havoc on those whose health problems make them more vulnerable and susceptible to issues caused by dust particles. Typically, we simply dust an area off with a duster or a rag. However, that can leave millions of unhealthy dust particles floating around in the air around us, becoming even more of a nuisance than before.
There are better ways to go about collecting and cleaning off dust. Try using a microfiber cloth combined with a natural cleaning solution made up of distilled vinegar and olive oil. The microfiber cloth holds on to dust far better than a standard cloth, or duster. That way you achieve the clean surface you crave, without brushing the dust into the air. Adding an air purifier to your environment will help to alleviate symptoms and filter any excess dust left in the air as well.
Natural Products
Likely the most environmentally damaging cleaning products out there are the abrasive, chemical-filled cleaners. Sure, they’re necessary for some really tough, or even hazardous cleaning jobs. If you can replace the amount of usage of those chemical products and replace them with more natural solutions, you’ll be doing yourself and the world around you a favor.
You can purchase natural solutions at your local store, or even make your own at home with products already found in your home. Never mix ingredients together, especially chemicals, without knowing if it’s safe.
Clean During the Day
When you clean, there’s always going to be some dust and other particles floating around after the fact. Although, using an air purifier and proper precautions when cleaning will help. Another tip is to clean during the day. When you clean at night, the particles remain in the while you sleep and can disturb your quality of sleep.
When you clean during the day, there’s plenty of time to air out the house and allow the particles to dissipate. Oftentimes during the day is when most of us are out of the home anyways, making it the perfect time to literally let the dust settle.
Cooking Pollution
Believe it or not, cooking our meals can pollute our homes. Depending on the type of stove you have, the use of exhaust fans, and what you’re cooking, depends on how much pollution is present. Do your best to prevent this by allowing proper ventilation in the kitchen, covering pots and pans with their lids while cooking, and investing in an induction stove over a gas-powered one.
