Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality in Milwaukee Residences

Living in a well populated area brings with it plenty of conveniences and a few concerns. Air quality can suffer when you are close to pollution sources, but you can do a lot to improve the air inside your home. This is especially important if you have young children, elderly parents, or small pets in the home – respiratory problems can easily occur and those with asthma or allergies are hit hardest.

First, use professional carpet cleaners in Wisconsin on a regular basis to get the following out of your carpet:

• Bacteria
• Chemicals
• Dirt, dust and debris
• Dust mites, fleas and other parasites
• Food particles
• Fungus
• Grease, grime and grit
• Pet feces, urine, and vomit
• Pollens
• Smoke and soot

Improve Your Air Quality

Next, have your home checked for mold damage. Mold spores can adversely affect the air quality inside your home, and in some cases can even be toxic. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 40% if possible. Many molds need moisture to grow, and keeping walls, floors and areas around pipes or in the basement dry can help. You should also vent your clothes dryer to the exterior of the home, and use exhaust fans in the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms when running hot water.

Another thing you can do to improve indoor air quality is to install air filters to help catch airborne particles. These are also very helpful if you have pets, as they can trap dander and cut down on odors. You can get small ones for each room, or a few big ones to place near doorways and service several rooms at once. There are even full house air filtration systems if you want to get serious!

If you smoke, stop – or at least take it outside, smoking makes the air quality worse for everyone in the house, and can contaminate carpets, walls and ceilings. Have your home checked for radon – this odorless gas can seep into your home undetected. It increases the chance of lung cancer even in non-smokers, and significantly raises risk for those who smoke.

Finally, cut out the fragrance filled sprays and fresheners. Many emit dangerous VOCs not listed on the label since they are all covered under “fragrance”. Instead, boil a pot of water on the stove with a stick of cinnamon in it, or try some naturally scented beeswax candles to add a fresh smell to your home. You can control what’s in the air in your own home if you just stay informed!