9 Steps for a Better Indoor Air Quality During the COVID-19 Crisis

Everyone is stuck indoors because of the health crisis nowadays. When it's necessary to go outside, we must practice social distancing and wear a face shield to keep safe and combat the spread of COVID-19.

You might be tempted to think that staying indoors means being safe from air pollution. But, according to research, that is far from the case. Environmental Protection Agency or EPA states that air pollution can occur indoors too. Indoor air pollution has been associated with fatigue, dizziness, and headaches.

The World Health Organization refers to such manifestation as "sick building syndrome." It just shows that the air quality cannot be ignored.

Our homes are supposed to be the safe sanctuary – an inviting place to rest, rejuvenate, and heal from daily stressors. But is the air we breathe inside our homes really non-hazardous and safe?
Alpine Cleaners wanted to share with you the main factors contributing to the poor indoor air quality and how to address them for better air quality.

9 Easy Steps to Improve the Indoor Air Quality During Covid-19 Outbreak ​
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1. Have Regular Maintenance of HVAC Systems -According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the lack of regular maintenance of HVAC systems is one of the most significant contributors to poor indoor air quality. The organization warns that this can lead to health problems such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, skin rashes, and inflammation of the throat, nose, and throat. The easiest way to improve indoor air quality One good way is to replace the filters regularly. This can be done at least every three months, especially if you have pets.
2. Clean Dirty Ducts- Ducts can be a homebased on many contaminants and other nasty critters. If this has been neglected for a while, this should be inspected and cleaned. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms. You must clean your ducts more often if you have pets or a recently renovated home. (Check out how to clean your carpets if your pets)
3. Banish Dust – Dust can contain traces of harmful chemicals like flame retardants, pesticides, and lead. Even a little dust can do a lot of harm. Invest in a quality vacuum with an efficient filtration system like HEPA Filter and vacuum at least twice a week. Vacuum regularly, and don't forget the underneath sofas and bedding. You can also use vacuum attachments to clean furniture, curtain, and hard-to-reach places like corners. Don't forget to empty and clean the filter after every use to prevent dust from spewing back out.
4. Get Some Fresh Air – COVID – 19 lessens our time outdoors. Stagnant air can cause poor indoor air quality due to the build-up of contaminants such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Getting fresh air is important in keeping us healthy, refreshed, and happy. So make it a habit of opening a window or door to circulate fresh air into the house. You can enjoy walks, runs, and hikes as long as you keep your distance from others.
5. Clean Filthy Ceiling Fans and Baseboards – These areas are most commonly overlooked. Keep an eye out for filthy baseboards when mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming. Also, clean your ceiling fans at least every two months using a vacuum extension or a microfiber cloth with mild dish soap or water.
6. Replace Dirty or Clogged Air Filters – Clogged and dirty air filters interfere with healthy air flow, damage air conditioning components, and reduce system efficiency. HVAC experts recommend cleaning/replacing air filters every 1-3 months.
7. Keep Those Kitchen Extractor Fans On – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eating out is no longer an option unless you get it to go. Always have the kitchen extractor fan on when cooking at home, especially if your kitchen operates on gas. Cooking naturally releases VOCs, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde into the air from heating oil, fat, and other food ingredients at high temperatures. Turning on the kitchen extractor fans while cooking ensures that your home is circulating healthy air during mealtimes.
8. Get Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning – Carpet more easily traps dust, dirt, and dust mites that can aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions. Suppose you don't schedule professional carpet and upholstery cleaning in Massachusetts. In that case, you risk a lot of allergens, dirt, and harmful bacteria in your home and air. Please take a look at our flexible and premium carpet cleaning packages that can help improve indoor air quality. These cleaning solutions are green, safe, and all-natural, with no VOCs or off-gassing.
9. Go Green – You don't need to use toxic cleaning agents to cut through grease and grime because plenty of Eco-friendly cleaning products work just as well and smell a lot better. You can also start a compost pile. Composting helps eliminate food waste and can save money on chemical fertilizers for your garden and indoor plants.

These steps may seem small, but collectively they have a good impact on your home's health and overall well-being. Knowing how inexpensive they are and facing the Coronavirus crisis today, there's no excuse to try them.​

Alpine Cleaners want you to breathe easier, be healthier, and feel even more relaxed in your sanctuary – your home.