How to Improve Your Apartment’s Air Quality

Did you know that air pollution kills 3.3 million people a year worldwide? Even if you aren’t breathing in literal smoke, the air you breathe can greatly affect your overall health. And it’s not just the outside air that you have to worry about. Scientific evidence has shown that in some cases, the air inside homes and buildings can be more polluted than the air outside.

When you consider that most people spend the majority of their time at home, air quality becomes a big deal. In honor of National Clean Air Month, here are four ways to improve the quality of air inside your apartment.

1. Go Green When Cleaning

One of the most effective ways to improve your apartment’s air is to use safe disinfectant products. Most cleaning products contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can contribute to asthma, liver and kidney damage, nausea, cancer, and more. These products may be good for disinfecting, but they aren’t good for your health. Take the safer route by buying all-natural cleaning supplies or making your own cleaning solution. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are great, all-natural ingredients to use when cleaning.

2. Crack the Windows

Opening your windows is the cheapest and simplest way to improve your air quality. 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 window, you let the fresh air in and the stale air out.

3. Add a Splash of Green

Believe it or not, there are plants that help clean your apartment’s air . The peace lily is a low-maintenance plant that removes benzene, carbon monoxide, and more. Aloe vera helps reduce formaldehyde (and sunburns!), the dwarf date plant helps remove xylene (found in paints and solvents), and the gerbera daisy helps remove all toxins. Snag one of these during your next Home Depot run and let it work its green magic.

4. Invest in an Air Purifier

Last but not least, air purifiers are one of the best methods to clean your indoor air. They may be costly, but they are worth it. Air purifiers help neutralize smoke, remove bad odors, reduce allergens released by pets, and trap dust. The best part is that their compact size allows them to fit anywhere, and they come in a variety of sleek styles.

Help protect your health and the health of your family by improving the air quality inside your apartment. Use natural cleaning products, open the windows when cooking, buy one of the house plants listed above, and consider investing in an air purifier. Clean air makes for a happy heart and happy lungs.