How To Remove the 5 Most Common Household Pollutants

5 Household Pollutants Removal Tips

Even if you're the type of homeowner who keeps their residence spotless, there are still pollutants inside that you can't see. In fact, your indoor air quality may actually be worse than the air quality outside! Instead of living with potentially harmful particles, you can get rid of them safely for the safety of everyone living in your home. Follow these tips and schedule regular checkups with an HVAC contractor in Sonoma and Marin County for the best results possible.

1. Dirt

Even if you are a "no shoes in the house" rule stickler, there are numerous ways that dirt can get tracked from outside to inside. Your best bet for keeping dirt from spreading across your floors and ground into your carpet is to have one specific area in the house where shoes are stored, whether it's a shoe closet or a shoe rack in the garage. Regular vacuuming can help reduce the level of dirt present in your home, as well as consistent sweeping and mopping of hard flooring surfaces. Don't neglect rugs, either. They should be vacuum thoroughly or beaten outside on a weekly, if not daily, basis.

2. Mold

Certain rooms in houses are ideal for mold growth, specifically in bathrooms and kitchens. Anywhere that is naturally damp and warm provides a safe place for mold spores to multiply. Those spores can then be released into the air, and they can cause health concerns for humans and animals. Try to keep damp areas dry by running fans or opening windows when possible. Use vinegar to spray down areas that typically grow mold to prevent it from coming back.

3. Dust

If you aren't currently having regular maintenance from an HVAC contractor in Sonoma and Marin County, you may find it difficult to keep dust levels down in your home. Changing filters regularly can reduce dust, but you also need to use cleaning products to physically remove dust from furniture, electronics, and shelves. In addition, washing bed and window linens regularly can help with this common cause of allergies.

4. Bacteria

Kitchens are notorious for harboring bacteria, which can then pollute your indoor air. It's important to disinfect sinks and sponges frequently, as they are the most common sources of bacteria, often from food preparation. If your sponge is still relatively new, you can wet it thoroughly and microwave it to kill germs. Don't be afraid to use bleach to wipe down countertops and other surfaces that come into contact with raw food.

5. Pet Dander

Your furry friend can be the cause of another common pollutant: dander. Anyone who is allergic to animals is actually not allergic to the fur itself; it's the skin cells on the animal that cause the problems. This means that you'll have to be diligent in vacuuming up any areas where your pets sleep, play, or cuddle. While your animal's bed may be the main source of dander, couches, carpets, and mattresses should also be cleaned regularly to combat the problem.
For more indoor air quality tips and tricks, contact us today. We have a professional team of HVAC contractors ready to serve Sonoma and Marin counties.