We spend more time indoors during the winter. We keep the doors and windows closed and turn up the heat. This enclosed, warm atmosphere can produce a lot of condensation on the walls, windows, and floors, which might have unintended health implications that go unnoticed.
Bacteria, dust mites, germs, mould, and viruses thrive in warm, enclosed spaces. In addition, an overheated environment can remove too much moisture from the air, causing our mucous membranes to dry up, making them more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Condensation can cause dampness, mould, and poor air quality, especially in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens.
As a result of all of the above, poor air quality is pervasive throughout the winter months, leading to asthma, allergies, and sickness. Here is how you can keep your home a little healthier this winter.
Open the windows
Open your windows for 5-10 minutes at least twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once before night. This allows fresh air to enter your home without reducing the temperature.
This is especially important at the moment given the COVID-19 pandemic; we know that opening the windows and ventilating a room can help reduce the transmission of the virus.
Keep your home clean
Vacuum on a regular basis, especially if you have wall-to-wall carpeting, which is a dust mite haven, wash your linens in hot water at least once a week to destroy pollutants, update your heating system filters every three months, and bathe your pets once a week to reduce dander.
Introduce some greenery
Houseplants provide a dual advantage to your indoor air by releasing moisture as well as oxygen during the daytime. A burst of colour can also serve as a mental pick-me-up in the bleak winter darkness.
Eliminating dampness
It is considerably more likely that moisture will be an issue throughout the winter months. When warm moist air comes into touch with a cold surface, such as your windows, condensation occurs. All of this moisture invites mould, which is quite unhealthy.
If opening windows, utilising exhaust fans, and using heating lamps are not enough to solve your damp problem, it is time to get a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers function by eliminating excess moisture from the air, leading to condensation and mould growth. They decrease mould and oxidation, enhance air quality, and may even be used to dry clothes more efficiently and without causing harm than a conventional dryer. You could also look at sub floor ventilation to tackle the problem from underneath the floorboards.
Keep away from artificial perfumes
Chemical air fresheners, fragrances, and even chemically scented candles can all degrade your home's air quality. If your home smells stale, try airing it out instead, and if you want to utilise fragrances, go with natural essential oils, something I definitely eat to do more.
Maintaining a healthy home environment is vital to our general well-being when we begin to spend more time indoors during the winter. These habits and tips can help you maintain excellent air quality and improve your health until spring arrives.
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