Dial-a-Maid
Even if you are vigilant in minimizing dirt, debris, and toxic substances, you cannot eliminate everything from the air inside your home, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Service in Evanston, Il. There are ways to effectively filter and purify the pollutants that do enter your house.
* Clean or replace filters. Filters on your heating and cooling systems can be taken out and hosed off regularly. Air filters are often dirty if they are properly working: the function of an air filter is to collect and remove dirt particles from the air you breathe. When filters are extremely dirty, though, they can no longer remove particles. Conversely, they may actually release more dirt to enter your residence.
* Heating and air conditioner filters should be cleaned once a month for optimum performance. If you suffer from allergies, have pets, or run your central heating and cooling unit day and night, you should consider cleaning the filter once a week. Hosing off or vacuuming standard filters can clean them. Some units use disposable filters, and you should not attempt to wash or vacuum these because they may fall apart. Instead, replace them when they are dirty.
* Remember the vacuum. Do not forget to empty, clean, or replace vacuums bags and canisters as well. Like air filters, they rid the air of dirt and dust particles. However, if you continue to use them when they are full, they will only reintroduce the dirt back into the air.
* Use plants as natural air filters. Indoor air is more toxic than the outdoor air. Consider introducing some of nature's filters to the interior of your home. Green houseplants, such as ferns or potted palms, are a great way to improve the indoor air quality at your house. Be sure to research the plants you are bringing in. Some plants are poisonous and are hazardous if accidentally ingested by children or pets. There a few plants that the EPA cautions about using indoors if they are in reach of small children and animals: They are: Mums-leaves and stalks are poisonous, Common English ivy- leaves are poisonous, Dumbcane, giant Dumbcane, spotted Dumbcane, all parts are poisonous. Be sure to care for plants properly. Do NOT overwater them, as they can develop mold. If your plant leaves get dusty, gently rub olive oil on them, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Service in Evanston, Il. All of the above suggestions are in The Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly House Cleaning by Anne B. Kocsis.
