Fresh smelling homes are not so much of a problem in the spring and summer when windows can be open or air conditioning devices filter air. In the late fall and winter, the colder temperatures force us to close windows and not use air conditioning. The interiors of both houses and businesses can start to smell stale. Ghosts of the previous few meals cooked can linger, mixing in an unpleasant way. Think old gym socks and wet dogs added to the garbage and dirty dishes. These are not pleasant smells.
Time to Get a Fresh Smell In the Room
It is definitely time to take steps to get those rooms smelling fresh again. But, what is the best, healthiest way to accomplish this? There are at least 7 ways to deal with stuffy, unpleasant interior air. But, why is it important to address this issue? Clean, fresh air inside a home is important because it is more healthy. Winter homes host more allergens and pollutants in addition to bad smells and stuffiness. These can make family members sick.
7 ways to get healthier home air conditions in the winter include:
1. Clean the home often and with the correct products. Avoid harsh chemicals and go for hypoallergenic cleaning products. Mop, dust, sweep, and vacuum to improve indoor air quality. Carpets collect a lot of dirt and allergens and must be vacuumed often. Don’t forget to wash and disinfect wastebaskets and garbage cans regularly. Toilets and toilet brush holders need regular cleaning.
Some dust-collecting household items that need attention are the top edges of doors, mirrors, window frames, and artwork. Books on the shelves can hold a lot of dust. The top of kitchen cabinets can hide a lot of dust. The refrigerator needs to be cleaned and so does the area under, on top, and behind it.
2 Dogs and cats are our best friends but their fur and dander can cause air quality problems. Hair can contribute to clogged air vents and other health issues. Brush the dogs and cats often to keep shedding at a minimum. Bath regularly to keep dirt and dander out of the air. Animals that need trims should get those trims regularly. Remember, dirty dogs smell so keep Fido clean.
3. Air that does not move becomes stale so air needs to be moved around or circulated. Ceiling and vent fans can be adjusted for winter air movement. Don’t forget to dust the fan blades. On warmer days, crack some windows to let in the fresh air. Some people simmer cloves, cinnamon or citrus peels on a back burner or wood stove. Others use small containers of natural vanilla.
4. Air purifiers are a good addition to any home in the winter. Be sure to purchase an air purifier that meets the home’s requirements such as square footage. Air purifiers should remove bad odors, smoke, and chemical scents. Another choice is an ozone machine.
5. Air filters on furnaces, humidifiers, air purifiers, and more must be regularly checked and changed. Don’t forget the filter on the vacuum cleaner.
6. Fabric items in the home can harbor dust and allergens. Rugs, curtains, fabric shower curtains, throws, bedspreads, decorative pillows, lampshades, and more. Regularly take these items outside to shake, vacuum them, or wash them like laundry to remove allergens. In addition look for dust build-up on air vents, fans, light fixtures, and furniture. It is amazing how much dust can be collected on a fabric sofa or overstuffed chair. When vacuuming the upholstered furniture, turn it over to vacuum the bottom dust covers or exposed springs.
7. Depending on the home, dehumidifiers or humidifiers can be lifesavers. When air is too dry, it is harder to breathe and there is more static in the home. But, other homes may have a problem with humidity trapped in the home by the type of heating, cooking, bathrooms, and laundry facilities used. Moist air can contribute to mold, mildew, dust mites, and roaches becoming problems.
Air Diffusion Technology
Another way to make the air in a closed space smell fresher is with air diffusion technology. Adding a pleasant scent to a commercial or residential building can make the air seem fresher. There are different scent delivery systems available. These systems can involve cold-air diffusion technology, heat, fans, or evaporation. Aroma oils can be diluted with alcohol, water, or solvents.
Contact Us to get more information on scent diffusion. Companies such as AROMA Tech supply cold air diffusion technology and equipment. It is important to disperse the aroma carefully so it creates a pleasant background scent that does not overwhelm people’s senses.
Cold air diffusers work by using nebulizing technology to release the scent in a micro-mist that is highly controllable and long-lasting. Nebulization is a process that breaks down essential oils into a really fine dry mist that can be diffused with the air available in the space. This equipment usually contains an internal air filter to catch foreign particles and dust and trap them.
The best equipment is programmable and allows different scents to be released at different times of the day or areas of the space. The intensity of the aroma can also be highly controlled. Whichever system is used to diffuse scent relies on top-quality essential or aroma oils. When choosing scenting solutions for home or business, check to make sure the machinery and scents are good-quality, durable, safe, and reasonably priced.
To get the most healthy, pleasant air in a home or business requires a combination of cleaning, maintenance, and equipment to keep harmful allergens and pollutants out of the air, circulate air, and make the air smell good. Follow all of the steps listed and winter home and business interiors will be more livable and healthier for all who visit and live in them.
Taking steps all year long to assure healthy, clean air in a living and working space is essential for improving the quality of life indoors. A little effort can lead to big benefits.
