Amidst the recent outbreak of COVID-19, folks across the nation are ramping up measures to maintain a clean home environment.
A course of vigilance, especially in regards to biological pollutants is especially crucial in times like these.
“Bacteria and viruses can travel through the air, causing and worsening diseases. They get into the air easily. When someone sneezes or coughs, tiny water or mucous droplets filled with viruses or bacteria scatter in the air or end up in the hands where they spread on surfaces like doorknobs,” reports the American Lung Association.
Since infectious diseases, as well as many other harmful pollutants, are airborne, it is important to ensure your family is breathing clean air.
In view of the current dangers, what can you do today to improve the air quality in your home? If you’re spending a lot of time at home in the coming weeks, it’s wise to make sure you are minimizing pollutants within your home, including bacteria, mold, and other contaminants.
Air Quality Consultants are here with timely tips on what Virginia Beach and Richmond residents can do to promote cleaner air in the home.
Keep Surfaces Clean
Since transmission of disease can be made from touching infected surfaces, it is prudent to frequently disinfect the surfaces in your home.
“Cold and flu virus-laden droplets may remain infectious for several hours, depending on where they fall. Viruses generally remain active longer on stainless steel, plastic and similar hard surfaces than on fabric and other soft surfaces,” says Mayo Clinic.
Disposable disinfectant wipes are a great way to clean off dirty surfaces. Remember to wear gloves while cleaning for added protection.
Bedding and pillows can also trap a lot of dirt and bacteria. Wash your sheets in hot water at least once a week.
This is a good opportunity to go below the surface for some quality deep cleaning as well.
Use Proper Coughing/Sneezing Etiquette
Always remember to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. We all learned it in elementary school, but it’s easy to forget.
Instead of using your hand to cover your mouth, it is better to cough or sneeze into your bent elbow or jacket. In either case, be sure to wash your hands directly afterward.
If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, try to step out of the room, or distance yourself from anyone nearby. If you need to blow your nose, use a tissue only once, and clean your hands right afterward.
Wash Your Hands
Never underestimate the power of a 20-second handwash with warm water and soap.
It can be a real test of patience to wait for the faucet to warm up and then stand at the sink long enough to give every part of your hands a quality wash, but it is truly one of the most effective and simple ways to keep you and your family safe.
Minimize Outside Pollutants
If you have to venture out of your home, it’s a good idea to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and take off your shoes before you walk through your door when you come home.
The goal is to leave any germs you picked up on your venture outside where they belong; outside.
Bear in mind too, that indoor-outdoor pets often track in lots of dirt and bacteria. If you have a pet that comes inside your home, be extra diligent about cleaning your floors and furniture.
Control Temperature and Humidity
Beyond bacteria and germs, the indoor environment is also at risk to other pollutants, such as mold.
Mold and bacteria often thrive in damp, warm, humid environments, and can make your family sick. Keeping control of the temperature and humidity levels in your home to promote a healthy environment.
Check your home to ensure you have sufficient ventilation and your HVAC system is well-maintained.
To improve air quality, you may choose to invest in an air filtration system such as an air purifier or perhaps a humidifier or dehumidifier.
Indoor Air Quality & Mold Testing in Virginia
As always, Air Quality Consultants continue to offer top-quality home allergen testing and mold testing to Virginia Beach and Richmond area residents.
If you are concerned about the air quality in your home, our comprehensive indoor air quality testing can help you detect any abnormalities in your indoor environment.
If you do have any indoor air quality problems, we can provide helpful recommendations on how to improve the air quality in your home. If your test comes out normal, you will have peace of mind knowing you and your family can breathe easy.
Please take care, stay safe, and get in touch if you have any questions about indoor air quality testing.
We care about your air!
