Do you find yourself full of energy at the office but tired and lethargic as soon as you’re home? Do you have watery eyes and cough often at home? It could be that dust and toxins are getting kicked up in the air. Here are three quick fixes to get harmful toxins out of your house.

Clean Your House

Carpet and fabrics in your house collect dust, dirt, and allergens, so Total Care Cleaning & Restoration recommends deep cleaning to improve the air quality in your home. Invest in a decent vacuum that is advertised to catch dust and allergens, and use it twice a week at a minimum. Empty the bags and clean the filter regularly so that everything it picks up is removed and not released back into the air. Dust collects on every surface that is horizontal, and it tends to build up if that surface is high and out of your line of sight. Wipe down all surfaces with a light solution of vinegar and water. Don’t forget to get the blinds, ceiling fan blades, and the tops of cabinets. Occasionally, you should give the walls a wipe-down for good measure.

HEPA Air Filter

Regularly change the air filter for the air conditioner. This will clean the air throughout the entire house. For air purifiers, it’s important to start with the bedroom first. Sleeping is extremely important for our health, and the quality of the air makes a big impact on how well we rest. Even the most active people are normally home for six to eight hours to sleep and shower. According to Blueair, a dedicated air purifier with a HEPA air filter should remove about 99.97% of airborne particles. HEPA air filters remove the microorganisms and smaller particles that may aggravate the respiratory system.

House Plants

Plants are often called the lungs of the planet, and they can also be the lungs of our houses, too. Not only does indoor greenery have a relaxing effect on most people, but house plants swap out air pollutants with fresh oxygen. NASA used plants for this purpose years ago and published their first study in 1989, listing which houseplants are best for cleaning indoor air. If you have pets, especially cats, take much care into the consideration of the plants that you choose. Many houseplants are poisonous for pets. Peace lilies are potentially deadly for cats. Ferns and palms, on the other hand, are very safe, even if your furry troublemaker eats them. 

Sometimes, the air quality inside the home can be worse than the air quality outside. You can quickly fix this so that coming home is like a breath of fresh air. Regularly tending to filters, plants, and putting in some extra elbow grease with cleaning around the house can dramatically improve the air quality inside.

Taking the steps above will ensure that your home is free of pollutants and ready to be put on the market.