Clean indoor air means healthier lungs and microbiome, fewer illnesses and better sleep, among many other benefits. And since we spend more of our time indoors (especially in chilly Canada), clean indoor air is just as important as clean outdoor air!
The scary truth is that irritants, like dust and mold, and airborne chemicals from cleaning products and off-gassing of furniture such as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are trapped indoors with us and we breathe them in.
Overall, the air indoors can be more polluted than the air outdoors – up to 10 times more so!
The good news is there’s plenty that can be done to drastically reduce the level of irritants and chemicals in your home.
Here are my top 7 ways to clean the air in your home.
1. Open windows to allow fresh air to move into the house (even in the cold months)
Even just 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening can drastically improve the air quality in your home by helping to rid the home of accumulated volatile organic compounds, mold spores, dust, smoke, radon, viruses and bacteria. In addition, move potential air contaminants out by using the vent fan in the kitchen.
2. Detox your house cleaners
Take a look at your cleaning products in the kitchen and bathroom. If they have labels that say “danger,” “caution,” or “warning,” get that stuff out of your house! Call your recycling center to find out the date of the next hazardous pickup to responsibly dispose of any toxic products you have lying around. Replace your cleaning products with the non-toxic, natural variety, so you never have to worry about your kiddos’ safety when it comes to cleaning.
- Your kitchen cabinets are likely full of ingredients that can tackle a nasty mess! Vinegar is a versatile cleaner that can do just about anything—dilute it with water for a simple, nontoxic window cleaner; mix with baking soda to remove the most stubborn carpet stains, and try it out as a shampoo alternative to get rid of product build up. Baking soda works wonders on dirty floors and tarnished silver – mix it with a bit of water to make a paste and do a little scrubbing for sparkling results.
- Try making your own cleaning wipes! I’ve got a great DIY for making your own non-toxic cleaning wipes that you can use to clean your house without leaving any harmful residues behind.
- Some other brands I use and love: Seventh Generation Dish Soap + Pods, Attitude Dishwashing Soap, Mint, and Norwex Cloths!
3. Detox your personal care products
What you use on your body can end up in the air around you, so that’s why I use only the cleanest products from Hello Joyous that harness the power of plant botanicals and are free from these ingredients to avoid. Sprays and aerosols, especially, waft toxic hormone-disrupting chemicals into the air. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics commissioned a study and looked at 17 popular fragrances and each contained an average of four hormone-disrupting ingredients (including synthetic musks and diethyl phthalate). Read more about the reasons I don’t wear perfume here.
4. Invest in an air filter
Air filters can detect and remove dust, allergens or other airborne concerns, like mold, pet dander, formaldehyde and VOCs. They’re helpful if you suffer from allergies, asthma or have difficulty breathing. I recommend the Jaspr Air Purifier. It’s designed to clean the air of the smallest particles and is so easy to use. You can use code JOYOUS at checkout to save $200. And if you want to learn more about how to keep the air in your home clean, listen to my interview with the founder of Jaspr, Mike Feldstein, here. Many people ask how the Jaspr compares to the Air Doctor. It’s a great question. Air Doctor is also a great filter but the interface on the Jaspr is much more user friendly.
5. Limit home fragrances
You just don’t need air fresheners and artificially scented candles! Plus, phthalates and neuro-and- immunotoxins such as: propylene glycol. That means you’re breathing these harmful chemicals. There are so many lovely essential oils that’ll give your rooms a pleasant welcoming scent minus the unwelcome toxins!
- Sweet Orange: This is such a pleasant, happy scent that can help boost your mood and alleviate anxiety.
- Lavender: This relaxing de-stressing aroma smells like a field of fresh flowers.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus has the ability to kill fungus, bacteria, insects, mites and weeds.
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass is antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial, so it can be used as a powerful disinfectant. Plus, it can repel bugs, just like eucalyptus.
6. Switch to clean-burning candles
Paraffin- and petroleum-derived waxes release chemicals into the air when burned. Instead, choose clean-burning soy wax or beeswax, with 100 percent indicated on the labels, and, when possible, select wax that’s naturally derived or sustainably sourced. In addition, check for a wick that’s made of cotton or wood. As for the scent, go for products that specify they’ve used 100 percent naturally derived essential oils and are phthalate-free.
7. Fill your home with plants!
Plants are an affordable and beautiful addition to your home. I’m a huge fan of plants because not only do they add a beautiful green colour to your home but they are excellent air purifiers and the support a healthy microbiome at home. Some the best plants for cleaning the air are: spider plants, aloe and peace lilies and more. I talk about more of the health benefits of plants in your home in this video.
