We found this statistic from HGTV.com to be shocking — Americans spend an average of 90 percent of their time indoors, and the concentration of pollutants indoors is often 10 to 100 times greater than outdoors. Controlling indoor allergies isn’t always on the top of a priority list, however it’s easy to control with a few simple changes.
Use less toxic, natural cleaners. All a homeowner needs is baking soda, white vinegar, and essential oils. Concoctions using these products will clean and disinfect just as well a those commercial products without the overpowering smell or chemical leave-behinds.
Open a window or two. When we seal up our homes, we aren’t allowing chemicals and allergens to escape. Just because you need to add additional circulation doesn’t mean you have to give up style. Along with heating or cooling units, a decorative fan can promote removal of contaminants.
We love this fan from DigHouseDesign.com:
Add some flora to your home to produce oxygen and filter toxins. For a fresh home, decorate your kitchen with plants. Many plants are known to filter out home toxins, plus they will reduce air pollution and add liveliness to any room in the house. Aloe Vera is a fully functional choice since it eliminates emissions from most toxic materials. Spider plants are exceptional for eliminating formaldehyde.
However, don’t place those plants in wicker baskets as they’re known to collect dust and grow mold. Likewise, be sure your plant isn’t setting in standing water. That too is a place where mold can grow.
A home that’s fresh and clear from allergens, lets you breathe easier, rejuvenate your outlook on life and tap that energy you would have spent dealing with allergy symptoms. Share your tips for eliminating allergens from your home in our comments.
