As the winter frost thaws and flowers bloom, it’s time to welcome the freshness of spring into our homes. But amidst the chirping birds and longer days, there’s an important task you shouldn’t overlook: spring cleaning.
Spring cleaning is not just about decluttering and tidying up to make ourselves and our homes feel fresh. It’s also about enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) through removing winter buildup, maintaining our HVAC systems, and improving our health and well-being.
Why is spring cleaning important for indoor air quality?
Ever wondered why spring cleaning is more than just a seasonal tradition? Consider this: in the average American home, around forty pounds of dust accumulates annually. This seemingly innocuous dust harbors a host of contaminants, including dead skin cells, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, and even microscopic plastic particles. Despite regular cleaning efforts, these pollutants persist, accumulating in hidden nooks and crannies and circulating within your indoor air.
This buildup contributes to indoor air pollution and can even trigger symptoms of sick building syndrome. If you frequently experience fatigue, headaches, respiratory issues, or other discomforts, it might be a sign that your living space is overdue for a thorough spring clean.
Spring cleaning isn’t merely a tradition—it’s essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment and preserving air quality. With windows often sealed shut during the winter, pollutants accumulate, posing risks to respiratory health and overall well-being, potentially overworking HVAC systems just as your immune system struggles against seasonal challenges.
How does spring cleaning impact indoor air quality?
The link between cleanliness and air quality is undeniable. A deep clean removes dust and particles from living spaces so they can’t recirculate into air, accumulate, and end up in our respiratory systems. However, the cleaning process itself can worsen the situation at first because of the cleaning agents used and the residual grime entering the air. Don’t worry, we’ll help you figure out the best ways to clean safely this spring!
Since some areas at home might not be properly ventilated during the winter, an important part of spring cleaning is airing those out. This will revitalize our living spaces and bolster indoor air quality, ensuring safer breathing environments and minimizing the risk of mold growth and exposure to harmful toxins.
Another vital aspect of spring cleaning is the thorough maintenance of HVAC systems. This ensures their longevity, reduces energy costs, and promotes better indoor air quality for the approaching season.
Tips and tricks for a healthy spring clean
In spring cleaning, thoroughness is key. However, it is important to stay safe during the process. Here are some tips to perfect your spring cleaning routine this year and ensure your place is in tip-top condition.
First, open the windows! If the outdoor air quality is healthy enough and there aren’t any spikes in pollution like smoke, refuse, and pollen, increase ventilation before, during, and immediately after cleaning, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests. You can also turn on the kitchen, bathroom, or any other exhaust fans to maximize the indoor air quality while scrubbing away.
Avoid using harsh chemicals! Cleaning agents can contain potentially harmful chemicals, filling the space with VOCs. EPA suggests using the least noxious products and cleaning practices available that will do the job. To protect your IAQ, it is also a good idea to choose fragrance-free products that are not powdered.
Take precautions! Consider using gloves, goggles, and maybe even a respirator to protect yourself. Never mix products, especially those containing ammonia and chlorine bleach. If anyone in your household is sensitive to cleaning agents, have them leave the room or area being cleaned during and right after cleaning. It’s a better idea to spray the products on a cloth or a sponge instead of spraying them directly on the surface being cleaned.
Deep clean from top to bottom! Move your furniture to get under and behind it, using a stool or a ladder to clean hard-to-reach areas, and don’t forget the spaces underneath the beds, sofas, cabinets, and anywhere else you can access. We suggest decluttering at this step too, because clutter is where dust accumulates.
Now, go even deeper! To benefit your indoor air quality even more, remember to clean your air ducts where you can access them, deep clean your carpets, and watch for mold, suggests ServiceMaster.
Don’t forget the closets! To avoid spreading allergens and dust from outside entering your living space, take special care to clean the coat closet and shoe rack. Then, remember to use those and avoid wearing your outdoor clothes in the house. While you’re at it, you might just clean the rest of the closets and cabinets and wash any stuffy clothes and linens lying around.
Now clean yourself! After a good spring clean, remember to change your clothes and take a shower or at least wash your hands and any skin that was exposed during cleaning tasks.
HVAC and air filter maintenance
The last step of your spring cleaning is as important as all the previous ones combined. Regular HVAC system maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and keeping the systems working properly for a longer time.
Here are some things you can safely do by yourself, according to professionals:
- Double-check your thermostat: check the settings (not reaching a set temperature could mean clogged filters or a broken system), change batteries at least once yearly, and wipe down the screen.
- Dust and wipe down air filters weekly or biweekly and swap them out every one to three months, depending on how clogged they get. If you have a pet, you might need to change it monthly due to pet hair clogs.
- Check your HVAC system’s outdoor part for debris or leaves and remove those.
- You can clean the outer lids of air filters and vents by soaking them in hot, soapy water before wiping them down with a microfiber cloth.
- Lubricate moving parts of fans if you can access them to reduce friction and heightened energy bills.
- Check the humidity levels at home! Aranet4 HOME indoor air quality monitor is perfect for this task to see if there’s a humidifier needed for your well-being and to help your HVAC run correctly. It will also help you ensure the best daily IAQ for your household.
Something you’ll probably need help with, though, is professional HVAC tune-ups before the start of the cooling and heating seasons to keep your system operating efficiently. Consider scheduling professional air duct cleaning services to ensure air polluting particles don’t recirculate into the air.
As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that it’s not just about making your home look pristine; it’s about creating a healthier environment for you and your loved ones. By following these tips, you can breathe easily, knowing that your home is clean, safe, and inviting. So open those windows, let the fresh air in, and embrace the joys of spring. Happy cleaning!