5 Ways To Upgrade The Air Quality In Your Apartment
SHARE
Unsplash/Nathan Fertig
We hope you find these products useful! Swirled may be compensated when users click on the affiliate links in the story below. Prices are accurate and products are in stock at the time of publication.
It’s no secret that air pollution is wreaking havoc on our planet, but that doesn’t mean we have to except poor air quality in our homes and all of the health struggles that come along with it. Regardless of whether you deal with asthma, allergies or upper respiratory illnesses on a regular basis, it makes a huge difference when the air you breathe in your living space is as clean as it can be. So go ahead and lift that weight off your shoulders (er, lungs) with these five easy tips for improving the air quality in your apartment.
1. Try greener cleaning products.
Unsplash/Daiga Ellaby
Chemical-laden cleaning products seem harmless in liquid form because it’s not like we’re tempted to drink them or anything, but when those solutions dry and certain ingredients evaporate into the air, you better bet those volatile organic compounds are going to irritate your system over time. So swap out the heavy bleach options for brands like Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day
2. Invest in an air purifier.
If you live in an urban location, rent an especially old apartment or have a pet (or several pets), an air purifier is about to become your new best friend. These handy machines are able to pull all of the agitating particles out of the air in your home, immediately improving the quality of the air you’re breathing. Plus, manufacturers make them surprisingly small and chic these days, so it won’t throw off your home’s aesthetic. And the white noise they emit can double as a sleep aid, softly drowning out the sounds of your neighbors through the walls and honking traffic outside your windows. We love this one from LEVOIT
3. Grab a humidifier, too.
The colder winter months can also negatively impact air quality by stripping it of much-needed moisture. When the humidity in your home drops below 35 percent, your sinuses take note instantly. (Yep, this is why you get nosebleeds more often in the wintertime.) You actually run a greater risk of getting sick when your sinuses are chronically dry because the mucous membranes can’t function correctly and provide their immunity-boosting duties as they should. Not to mention, your skin is likely dry to the point of itchiness, flakiness and more. The solution? A cool mist humidifier that can at least rehydrate your bedroom area while you sleep. This ultrasonic humidifier from TaoTronics
4. Fill your home with pretty plants.
Unsplash/Jackie Tsang
Yes, you can decorate your home and clean your air at the same time. According to NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, there are certain indoor plants that not only absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but also scrub the air of pollutants found in your carpet, paint and cleaning products. Some of the best picks include the bamboo palm, English ivy, Gerbera daisies, pot mums, peace lilies and the corn plant. So go ahead and create a little green oasis in your home and breathe easier as a result.
5. Use your vacuum more frequently.
When it comes to air quality, consider your vacuum the best cleaning tool you have. Make a point to vacuum your space thoroughly at least once a week (more often if you have pets running around or especially agitating allergies) and clean the canister and filter after every use. The better you take care of this cleaning machine, the better it can take care of you.
Sign up for Daily Fit by Swirled, our newsletter featuring a wellness tip of the day and must-read health news from around the web! You’ll be one step closer to living a healthy, balanced life.
RELATED
Here Are The Most Efficient Natural Cleaning Products
11 Time-Saving Tricks For Cleaning Up Your Kitchen
How To Create The Perfect Work Area At Home
Next on
