As the winter months set in, most of us spend more time indoors, with windows tightly shut to keep out the chill. While cozying up at home is comforting, it also means your indoor air can become stagnant, trapping dust, allergens, and pollutants.
Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just make your home feel stuffy it can also trigger allergies, worsen respiratory issues, and leave you feeling less energized. A thoughtful winter cleaning routine will refresh your home and get it spotless but also do wonders for improving air quality. With the right steps, you can breathe easier all season long.
Dusting for Cleaner Air
Dust is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to poor indoor air quality. During winter, when windows remain closed and ventilation is limited, dust particles can accumulate quickly. Start your cleaning routine by dusting all surfaces, including shelves, countertops, and window sills. Don’t forget overlooked areas like ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, and baseboards, which are magnets for dust. Use a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster to trap particles effectively rather than spreading them around.
Vacuuming with HEPA Filters
Vacuuming is essential for maintaining clean indoor air, but not all vacuums are created equal. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter ensures that fine particles, pet dander, and allergens are trapped instead of recirculating back into your home. Focus on high-traffic areas, rugs, and carpets, as they tend to trap the most debris.
Don’t overlook hard-to-reach spaces like under furniture or along baseboards. For homes with pets, vacuuming should be done more frequently during the winter to keep fur and dander at bay.
Clean and Replace Air Filters
Your HVAC system works overtime in the winter, making clean air filters more critical than ever. Dirty filters not only reduce airflow but also recirculate dust and allergens throughout your home. Check your furnace or HVAC filters monthly during the winter and replace them as needed.
If you use a portable air purifier, make sure to clean or replace its filters as well. These devices can help remove airborne pollutants, creating a noticeable difference in the air quality of your most-used rooms.
Don’t Forget the Vents and Ducts
Dust and debris can easily accumulate in air vents and ducts, reducing the efficiency of your heating system and impacting the air you breathe. Take time to vacuum vent covers and wipe them down with a damp cloth. For a deeper clean, consider scheduling a professional duct cleaning service to remove buildup from inside your HVAC system. This also helps your heating system run more efficiently, saving on energy costs during the winter.
Houseplants: Nature’s Air Filters
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve air quality, houseplants can be a great addition to your winter cleaning strategy. Plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are known for their air-purifying properties, helping to filter out toxins and provide a touch of greenery during the colder months.
However, be mindful of maintaining your plants. Overwatering or letting soil sit stagnant can lead to mold, which could counteract your efforts to improve air quality.
Deep-Cleaning Fabrics and Bedding
Fabrics like bedding, throw blankets, and curtains can trap dust and allergens, affecting the air quality in your home. During the winter, prioritize washing these items in hot water to kill dust mites and remove trapped debris. Launder your bedding weekly, including pillowcases and duvet covers, for the best results. For non-washable items like upholstered furniture, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment or consider a professional cleaning to remove deeply embedded allergens.
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Winter air tends to be dry, which can irritate your respiratory system and worsen indoor air quality. A humidifier can help maintain ideal humidity levels, typically between 30% and 50%. However, be careful not to over-humidify, as excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth. To keep your humidifier working efficiently, clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from forming. This small step ensures that the moisture it adds to the air is clean and healthy.
