Do you or your loved ones frequently struggle with wheezing, coughing, and general discomfort when you’re at home? Your personal oasis certainly shouldn’t keep you from breathing comfortably.
Poor indoor air quality has a huge impact on your health and general quality of life. If you or your loved ones deal with allergies or asthma, this should be particularly evident. However, in some cases, it’s not immediately obvious that your home’s air quality is lacking. Even spaces that appear immaculate can be surprisingly polluted. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to the modern indoor environment.
The good news? This problem can be mitigated. Step one: Enhance Your Cleaning Arsenal. Your equipment and routine can boost air quality by removing harmful particulates from the air — Using the wrong vacuum or not cleaning properly could make things worse instead of better.
Keep reading to learn more about the important role vacuum cleaners play in improving indoor air quality and protecting your loved ones. Discover how you can use this simple, yet vital tool to make your home cleaner and more inviting for residents and guests alike.
The Power of HEPA Filtration
A must for any vacuuming regimen is High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. HEPA filtration ensures that 99.97 percent of airborne particulates are actually trapped, rather than being recirculated back into the air. Often, lower-quality vacuums and filters miss these particulates and spew them into the air, causing more harm. Genuine HEPA filtration effectively traps nearly all particles larger than 0.3 microns.
HEPA vacuums are amazing, but not all are created equal. When investing in a new vacuum it’s important to verify that it features true HEPA filtration. This guarantees a high standard of particulate removal. It is important to be mindful that, in some cases, claims of HEPA filtration are primarily used for marketing purposes. Serial numbers and test results can provide valuable insight so you feel confident in your HEPA filters.
Simply investing in a genuine HEPA vacuum provides a solid start, but you will need to take care of it to ensure your cleaning efforts keep your indoor space inviting and fresh. Make sure to regularly check and replace HEPA filters. It’s recommended that they are changed every 2-3 months, or even more often for some homes.
Developing and Maintaining a Vacuuming Routine
Even the best vacuum or cleaning system will do little to improve the quality of your indoor environment unless you commit to regularly using this high-powered equipment.
Begin by developing a thorough, yet realistic routine that you can maintain over time. In most homes, this means — at a minimum — vacuuming all rugs and carpets weekly, accompanied by a strategy for general dust removal. If you share your home with pets or struggle to keep high-traffic areas pristine, you may need to increase these efforts by incorporating basic vacuuming an extra two or even three times per week.
Considering when you vacuum is important, but it’s also crucial to decide how you vacuum from the start to maximize your cleaning time. It’s best to vacuum your floor after you have tackled the other surfaces in your home, as vacuuming can take care of dirt or particles kicked up during the act of cleaning.
Take Indoor Air Quality Seriously
All of this cleaning surely seems like a lot of effort, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor: indoor air quality directly impacts the overall health of you and your loved ones. A growing body of research indicates that the impact of air quality inside can be equally significant as the quality of the outdoor air quality. In some cases, the health risks associated with indoor air pollution are greater than those linked to outdoor air pollution.
Thankfully, the right equipment — paired with a consistent cleaning routine — can make a world of difference in your home. Maintaining a beautiful and healthy environment doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Look for a powerful, highly regarded vacuum that is known for its superior sealing and HEPA filtration. You will be rewarded with years of easy cleaning, as well as a healthier indoor environment that’s safer and more comfortable for everyone in your household.