3 simple ways to improve the air quality in your home

In Melbourne, we are lucky to enjoy plenty of fresh air and low levels of pollution. Our city is filled with enviable green spaces, parks and recreation areas such as the Yarra Bend Park in Kew or Fitzroy’s Edinburgh Gardens but what about our homes? Right now, we are all spending more time than ever inside our homes where air quality can suffer. Fortunately, there are things Melbournians can do to purify the air they breathe indoors. Check out the 3 we think most valuable;

1. Fill your home with air purifying houseplants

Houseplants don’t just make a space look better, they also serve a very important purpose: purifying the air around them. By turning carbon dioxide into oxygen, plants eliminate harmful toxins in the air.

In terms of oxygenation, the leafier and greener the better. Equally critical for many homeowners, however, is maintenance and mess. The ideal houseplant is one that doesn’t require too much sunlight or water and that can be easily moved.

Now that we are spending more time inside, you have more time to look after your indoor plants (AKA nature’s air filtration system). Here are some of our favourite local nurseries providing great indoor plants and contactless purchase options:

1. Plantsmith, Preston –  Delivery available within 20km of Preston. (Check out their Instagram for regular specials!)
2. Lygon St. Nursery, Brunswick East –  offering free contactless delivery within a 5km radius of the shop!
3. Poyntons Nursery, Essendon – Taking orders over the phone for pick-up or local delivery (with 25% off indoor pots and plants until daylight savings ends!)

2. Keep everything super clean

We are all currently much more aware of our cleaning habits, but perhaps understanding the link between cleanliness and air quality will be the extra push you need to tidy up.

While vacuuming, mopping and wiping surfaces can go along way in making your home look good, it isn’t enough if you’re trying to achieve a healthy environment.

To improve indoor air quality, look beyond the obvious and focus on deep cleaning. Steam your carpets, launder your curtains, and replace things like pillows and rugs you’ve had for a long time.

Additionally, focus on detailed cleaning of small areas as well. Do you know how many germs could be hiding on say – your microwave buttons? Albeit small, bacteria can hide anywhere and make its way into the air.

3. But avoid certain cleaning products in the process!

That said, you need to be careful about the products you’re using.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often found in common cleaning products, including some:

• Odour sprays,
• Pine oil products,
• Degreasing solutions,
• Aerosol sprays,
• Stain removers,
• Leather cleaners.

To avoid polluting your home, opt for eco-friendly products and always read labels.

At Nelson Alexander, we want to help you find the perfect Melbourne property to call home. To find out more, reach out to our helpful team today.