Dust, pollen, and other contaminants can leave indoor air far more polluted than the air outside—but it doesn’t have to be that way.

 

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What You Can Do

Homeowners can take a number of steps to improve air quality and create a healthier living environment. Here are a few:

• Vent the Kitchen: Almost every home has a range hood and fan. Make sure your kitchen exhaust fan vents to the outdoors so captured smoke, odors and other particles are removed from the living space, then be sure to run it while cooking.
• Beware of the Garage: While having an attached garage offers great convenience for homeowners, the garage is also home to a variety of pollutants that can enter the living space. Use only approved containers to store flammable products. Also, don’t let the car idle in the garage. Pull it outside and close the garage door to keep engine exhausts out.
• Install a Central Vacuum System: Built-in central vacuum systems are often better at removing particulates from the living space than portable vacuums, and are generally more powerful, while also being quieter since the motor and fan are stationed in the garage. They can usually be retrofitted into existing homes.
• Use Dust Removal Tools: Vacuuming areas with a well-filtered vacuum cleaner and using microfiber dusting tools is helpful for removing rather than rearranging dust.
  

 

About IEHA

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,200-plus member organization for housekeeping management. Executive housekeepers are managers that direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities, including upscale hotels, hospitals, schools, and other public places. The non-profit was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the state’s capitol.