Did you know the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside, and exposure to poor air quality can lead to breathing issues, disease, or worse?
An air purifier can remove 99% of pollutants, but the cleaner your air, the less it has to work and the more money you’ll save. In this article, we’ll detail 100% natural ways to keep your air cleaner and healthier so your purifier doesn’t have to work as hard….and you don’t have to pay as much!
Why You Shouldn’t Use Chemical Air Fresheners
Sweet smelling air fresheners may mask foul odors in the home, but they are actually doing more harm than good.
Chemicals in these fresheners - known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) - are actually extremely unhealthy, and lead to conditions that cost nearly $340 BILLION dollars per year to treat (source).
Moreover, placing more chemicals in the air is only forcing your air purifier to work harder. While most models are extremely efficient, many are not. The fewer contaminants in your air, the lower your electricity bills and the less frequently you’ll be forced to change your filter.
We all know that improving air flow by keeping the windows open or adding vents throughout the home are the best ways to improve air quality (aside from an air purifier), but there are many “air hacks” that experts recommend to keep the air inside your home safe to breathe.
Here are 5 ways to make sure your air is a clean as possible:
1. Use Essential Oils Instead of Fresheners
Essential oils smell better, are cleaner, and safer than any air freshener, and while an essential oil diffuser may cost more upfront, it will save you money (and your lungs) in the long run.
Some essential oils, like tea tree oil, may even have antibacterial properties, making them double over as a cleaner for table surfaces. Many other oils - like eucalyptus - can even be mini natural air purifiers themselves, making your home’s air all the more cleaner.
Make the switch and you’ll immediately notice fresher air and reduced symptoms of pollution.
Did You Know?: Rosemary has also been known to help kill dust mites? You get triple the benefits from 1 house plant.
2. Change Air Filters Regularly
Your central AC system is an air purification system unto itself, and running it longer will help clean your air.
However, most homeowners underestimate just how often their filters must be changed. It’s a common misconception that filters must be changed every 6 months. Some even wait up to 12. It’s actually about half that - maybe even less.
A dirty filter will do nothing but circulate dirty air, so you’ve got to keep it clean.
The average “suburban” family puts far more strain on a filter than average, especially if you’ve got pets. The strain is even greater if children and pets are constantly dragging mud and dirt through the home.
Verdict: Change filters every 3 months. Be sure to check regularly, though. If they’re dirty, change them sooner.
3. Stop Using Toxic Store-Bought Chemicals
Most brand name cleaners are toxic even if they claim to be natural. The big brand names - Windex, Clorox, Pledge - all contribute to airborne chemicals, not to mention pose a danger to children and pets.
Even mild cleaners regularly cause minor irritations. Household cleaners made with vinegar, baking soda, citric juices, and essential oils are just as effective if not more and far safer.
Here are 2 basic recipes for a homemade cleaner:
Recipe 1 :
Recipe 2 :
Both work fine as all purpose cleaners and deodorizers.
4.. Air Out Your New Furniture
New furniture releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, chemical compounds that can cause long-term health issues. While all types of furniture do this, new furniture is especially dangerous.
If you can, air out a new sofa or bed outside or in the garage for a few days before bringing it inside. If you can’t, then at least keep the windows open for a few weeks any time you can to air the room out. Your lungs will thank you for it.
5. Use Olive Oil Instead of Regular Oils
Oils that produce smoke quickly are said to have a “low smoke point”. These include peanut and canola oils. The more smoke emitted in your home, the lower the air quality. If you cook frequently with canola or safflower, you will soon notice eye and throat irritation.
Instead, use light olive oil. The higher smoke point will save your lungs. Olive oil is far healthier too!
By using natural products instead of chemicals, being aware of certain objects that emit harmful chemicals, and cooking with lighter oils, your lungs and eyes will thank you!
The less your air purifier has to work, the more money you’ll save. Are you ready to breathe the cleanest air you’ve ever breathed?
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