Fun DIY Projects that also Improve IAQ

On a worldwide scale, indoor air pollution is a significant issue, contributing to nearly 4.3 million deaths per year according to the World Health Organization. While many of the international issues arise because of indoor cooking methods, it’s important not to ignore your own indoor air supply simply because you live in a modernized environment. Many of the household products used for cleaning and for enhancing the air in U.S. residences create indoor pollution problems that can affect the breathing and health of occupants. However, there are some fun DIY projects that can improve your indoor air quality while reducing the pollutants in your home.

Homemade Cleaners

It’s estimated that one out of every three individuals in the United States suffers from breathing problems like asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis or allergies. Synthetic chemicals may aggravate these issues, making it important to find alternative cleaning solutions. Numerous homemade options are available, and the cost to produce your own natural cleaning materials can be much less than you would spend for store-bought products. Consider some of the following ingredients:

• White vinegar – the acidic nature of vinegar is excellent for cutting through grease. Additionally, the affordable material can eliminate odors, remove mildew and address some stains.
• Baking soda – the material is commonly used for absorbing odors in refrigerators and freezers. It can also be used to clean, deodorize and scour.
• Cornstarch – the product is useful for polishing furniture or cleaning windows.
• Citrus – lemon is strongly acidic, excellent for dealing with household biomaterials and for cutting through grease. Citrus solvents can be excellent for dealing with stubborn stains and grease, but it may cause irritations for those who are extremely sensitive.
• Borax – although the material has not been shown to cause health problems, it can be mildly irritating to the skin. However, it is not carcinogenic, and it isn’t absorbed through the skin.

An easy-to-make all-purpose cleaner can be produced with vinegar, baking soda and water. Dissolve 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in 1/2 gallon of water for a variety of household cleaning tasks. For a stronger solution to address stubborn mineral buildup, double the vinegar and eliminate the water.

Homemade Air Fresheners

Masking odors doesn’t really solve your indoor air quality problems. Air fresheners are commonly used to infuse scents into the air without getting to the root of the problem. Some people struggle because of sensitivities to scents. Others are affected because of the volatile organic compounds released. DIY alternatives include the following options:

• Simmer herbs, spices or fruit on the stovetop or in a mini crockpot to introduce a scent into your indoor air.
• Run a piece of citrus through your garbage disposal to address odors.
• Dry flowers and herbs to create a natural potpourri for use throughout your home.
• Grow houseplants that are known for their filtration qualities. Many popular and attractive options address some of the most serious indoor pollutants.

Indoor Air Quality Equipment

As you strive for a chemical-free home, it’s helpful to remember that ventilation is critical for keeping air fresh. The experts at Preferred Air Conditioning & Mechanical, LLC can evaluate your home’s IAQ, providing recommendations for beneficial equipment and strategies for limiting the pollution in your structure. Call our Boca Raton, FL, office for an appointment.

Image provided by Shutterstock.