Now that it’s spring, many of us are starting to dive into our spring cleaning routines. While tidying up can help refresh our homes, there’s a hidden concern that often goes overlooked: the effect of vacuuming on indoor air quality.
Vacuuming: A Double-Edged Sword for Your Home’s Air Quality
Vacuuming keeps our living spaces clean, but it can worsen the air quality in your home over the short term because it stirs up particulate matter (PM). According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, when you vacuum, your cleaning efforts can cause a temporary resuspension of dust, dirt, and even toxic substances, such as lead, pesticides, and biological agents that can trigger allergic reactions.
While the purpose of vacuuming is to remove these particles from our floors, some of them can get kicked back into the air, only to settle again on furniture, floors, and other surfaces. Some of these suspended particles can stay airborne for a significant amount of time – long enough for you to breathe them in.
The Hidden Risks: How Dust Impacts Your Health
Some dust particles are small enough to be inhaled, these are known as PM10 (particulate matter that is 10 micrometers or less in diameter). Inhaling these particles during vacuuming can lead to respiratory irritation, worsen allergies, or trigger asthma symptoms. These particles can be especially harmful to those with pre-existing respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.
What Can You Do to Minimize the Impact?
Use a HEPA Filter Vacuum
Investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce the amount of dust that is resuspended into the air during vacuuming. HEPA filters can also capture particles that are suspended, improving the overall air quality in your home and reducing the amount of allergens floating around. It’s important to note that a true HEPA filter in a well-designed vacuum with a sealed system can greatly improve indoor air quality, but if the vacuum leaks air or uses a low-quality filter, it may be a marketing gimmick.
Keep the Windows Open
While you’re vacuuming, consider opening windows or doors to improve airflow allowing particles to exit rather than circulate inside. Make sure it’s a day where the air quality is good, though, as letting in unhealthy air is counterproductive.
Vacuum When You’re Not Home
For those who have robot vacuums, this is a great solution to reduce your exposure to dust. Set your robot vacuum to clean while you’re away so you don’t inhale the dust it stirs up.
Change the Filter on Your HVAC System
A well-maintained HVAC furnace or central heating and cooling system filter can trap dust, pollen, and other particles, improving your indoor air quality. Improving your home’s air quality goes beyond just cleaning the floors. Make sure you change your HVAC filter at the recommended intervals. Changing your filter can provide a significant boost to the air cleanliness in your home. Just remember, while filtration helps, it cannot eliminate all pollutants, so it’s best to combine it with other strategies like ventilation and source control for optimal results.
How TELLUS Can Help You Monitor Air Quality
Spring cleaning can stir up dust, but that doesn’t mean it has to impact your indoor air quality.
With an AirU monitor, you can see real-time data about the air in and around your home – so you know when it might be time to open a window, switch up your vacuum, or swap out that HVAC filter.
It’s a simple way to stay informed and make small changes that help you breathe a little easier. Contact us for more information!
Wishing you a happy and healthy spring cleaning season!
