8 Ways to Protect your Home from Indoor Air Pollution

Now, you know how much I bang on about the importance of creating a beautiful home.

But what does seem bonkers is creating a gorgeous abode and then not getting rid of the hidden nasties you can’t see in your space: indoor air pollution!

With air pollution inside the home up to five times worse than outside (good Lord!), I thought it wise I share some of my interior styling tips with you on helping to create a healthy home – and showing you ways you can help protect your own family from breathing in these unseen airborne nasties too.

I’ve walked the walk on this one, and have some air pollution concerns of my own at home.

Indoor Air Pollution in my Own Home

Right next door to my humble abode they’re building three town houses, and the mess is beyond abundant.

Since I moved into this house a few months back I’ve actually not hung anything on the line outside. There’s just all sorts of dust, smoke and fumes coming into my home from next door that I don’t want to consume (and that my two precious kitties don’t want to breathe in either).

I also tend do a lot of laptop work on my dining room table, which in itself is fine, but the dining room is right beside the garage. The garage houses the car. The car houses petrol. You get where I’m going with this.

But air pollution from outside coming into the home is not the only thing that contributes to indoor air pollution. There are everyday objects and things that we do inside that could actually create it too.

8 ways to Help make your Home Healthier

Right, so clearly I’ve been late to the game in combatting indoor air pollution, so learn from my mistakes and be proactive in battling it.

Here are some easy tips to get your home feeling healthier today:

1. Choose Healthy Paint

Considering a reno or a minor revamp of your walls? Be wary when shopping for paint as some varieties contain formaldhyde in their solvents, which releases into the air over time. Ask in-store about the solvents used in the paint and check it’s safe.

2. Sit Back from the Fire

There’s nothing better than curling up in front of the fire. But keep in mind that fireplaces omit matter into the air as they burn (just like cooking on a gas hob too). Ensure you position your furniture a few meters away from the fire to avoid breathing in any particles.

3. Groom the Fur-Babies

Our precious four-legged friends can drop all sorts of microscopic dirt, dead skin and other nasties around the home. Brush and groom in a dedicated spot often, and give that grooming station a good clean once you’re done. Obviously this one’s the better tip for those who also suffer from mild asthma!

4. Protection from Pollen

I love flowers as much as the next decorator, but they can release pollens into the air that can irritate the body – again mostly for those with allergies! Ensure your flowers aren’t placed near food and make sure the room is well ventilated or use a purifier to capture pollutants in the air in the room.

5. Consider a purifier

Get your hands on a purifier like the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool™ Link purifier fan heater. The one I have contains it’s most advanced filter to date, it auto-detects the airborne nasties that are floating around the house – and captures 99.95% of fine particles.

The unit also monitors the air quality and gives you the green light once it’s finished purifying the room. I’m hooked on it! If you want to find out where all the potential pollution hotspots are in your own home, check this out.

The other bonus: you can download the Dyson Link App. It’s easy to navigate and tells you the humidity, air temperature and air quality in and outside of your house+.

Whilst using the Dyson Link App I was surprised to see the air quality in Melbourne was listed as very poor – a dark purple colour appeared in the app. It also has a built-in heater and cooler, which I’ve been pumping like mad in Melbourne’s frosty 12-degree weather.

6. Bring in Plants Indoors

Plants are phenomenal natural wonders. They’ll help bring oxygen into the space and make it feel more alive. There are many low-maintenance options on the market if you find yourself a bit of a black thumb like me.

7. Check your Flooring

Some carpet and rugs can omit formaldehyde from their backing over time. Ask questions about what’s in your carpet and rugs when you’re buying them in-store to check they’re above board.

8. Go Green with your Clean

Look to cleaning products that contain organic materials. Many store-bought sprays and detergents can contain potential toxins that omit into the air without you even knowing it. The new Dyson Pure Hot+Cool™ Link purifier fan heater is available now with a recommended retail price of $799. Find out more here.

Drop me a comment below if you have any questions about this nifty purification system.

This post was brought to you by Dyson. +App functionality may vary by location. Requires WiFi and app enabled device. Standard data and messaging rates may apply