Expert Advice: How to Refresh Your Indoor Air

Between mold spores, pet dander, cleaning-product chemicals, dust and more, our houses are filled with pollutants that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Ready for a refresh? Here, Michele Cassalia, director of marketing for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, shares why indoor air quality is crucial to a healthy home and offers tips to help you clear the air and breathe easier.

Why is indoor air quality so important?   

Indoor air quality has become an issue, especially with 90 percent of people spending more time indoors than outdoors between the office, school, home and cars.

If homeowners suspect they have poor indoor air quality, what’s the first step they should take? 

It’s a good idea to start by taking an assessment of your house. Go room by room and note what possibly could be triggers for you depending on what you're allergic to or what could cause an asthma attack.

On average, people spend one-third of their time sleeping. How can you improve air quality in the bedroom?   

Replace regular bedding with an allergy-barrier mattress cover, sheets and pillowcases, and wash them weekly in 130-degree water to kill dust mites. Don’t allow pets in the bedroom and don’t eat in bed, which can attract pests. Also, shower at night rather than in the morning to remove pollen before bed, and run an exhaust fan in the bathroom 15 to 20 minutes after to reduce mold-causing moisture.

What about whole-house improvements that can be made to refresh indoor air?

If possible, rip out carpeting and install hardwood floors. But if that’s not an option, vacuum carpet and rugs once a week. Hang washable curtains for easy cleaning and maintenance. To keep outside allergens from coming in, take your shoes off before entering your home, and if you’ve been outside for an extended period of time, throw your clothes into the wash right away.

Many household products—such as beauty and cleaning supplies—can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. How can consumers make sure they’re buying products that are asthma and allergy friendly for their home environment?

The AAFA has an asthma & allergy friendly® certification program with Allergy Standards Limited that tests and identifies products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies. Categories range from paint and toys, to insulation, flooring, vacuums and air filters, in which Filtrete™ Healthy Living Air Filters are included.