While decking the halls and shopping for gifts, let's not forget about the impact it has on the air quality of our homes. These days, manufacturers are becoming more upfront about what goes into their products and how they play a part in your health and the environment. This is particularly noticeable in the world of Christmas decorations.
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Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality often stems from a combination of factors like inadequate ventilation, which can increase the risk of bacteria and fungus growth, pollutants from household products, home furnishings, and decor, smoke, or even pet dander. When the air isn't clean, you might experience more allergies, respiratory issues, and difficulty sleeping. It's has a subtle impact on your everyday life, making you feel less energized and potentially contributing to long-term health concerns.
Signs of Poor Home Air Quality
Unpleasant Odors: Lingering, musty, or stale smells can indicate poor ventilation or the presence of pollutants in the air.
Allergies and Respiratory Issues: If you or your family members experience increased allergies, frequent coughing, sneezing, or respiratory discomfort, it could be a sign of poor air quality.
Visible Mold or Mildew: The growth of mold or mildew on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces suggests excess moisture and poor air circulation.
Dust Buildup: Excessive dust settling on surfaces might indicate inadequate air filtration or circulation in your home.
Frequent Illness: If you notice an uptick in colds, flu, or other illnesses among household members, it could be linked to airborne contaminants.
Condensation on Windows: Excessive moisture on windows can point to high humidity levels, which may contribute to mold growth and poor air quality.
Lingering Cooking Smells: If cooking odors persist long after meals, it might suggest poor ventilation in the kitchen.
Difficulty in Breathing Indoors: Feeling breathless or uncomfortable indoors, but experiencing relief when outside, may signal indoor air quality issues.
If you observe these signs, it could be beneficial to address the potential sources of indoor air pollution and consider ways to improve ventilation and air purification in your home.
Enhancing the Air Quality in your Home
Here are some key steps to enhance the air quality in your home:
1. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. Use exhaust fans, open windows, and consider installing a ventilation system.
2. Air Purification: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some purifiers also include activated carbon filters to remove odors and harmful gases.
I've been using a couple of air purifying devices for a few years now, and they've made a noticeable difference.
First up is Filtrete, a reliable brand with a variety of air filters. They've stepped up their game over the years, ensuring good airflow without wearing out your HVAC system. My go-to is the Filtrete Healthy Living, which has significantly reduced allergy issues for my family.
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Another gem is the Clarifion DSTx Portable Air Purifiers. While it might seem a bit pricey initially, the investment is totally worth it. These air purifiers are excellent at capturing tiny particles, giving your home a fresh and clean feel. I replace the filter every 1-3 months depending on the season.
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3. Reduce Allergens: Regularly clean and dust your home to minimize allergens. Use allergen-proof mattress or mattress covers and pillow covers, also consider swapping out bed linens made out of synthetic materials like polyester with linens made from natural materials like cotton and bamboo . Wash fabrics, vacuum floors, and dust frequently. Keep pets groomed.
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Another handy tip: I simplify my dusting routine by using the brush attachment on my vacuum cleaner for dusting blinds and large furniture. For ceiling fans, smaller furniture, and decorative accents, I opt for a cotton or bamboo dusting cloth.
This pack of dusting cloths are made from coral velvet, which is not completely natural, but is eco-friendly.
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My favorite cleaning cloths are Shop Rags. They are normally used to detail cars, but I love to use them to clean my house, especially deep cleaning. They are 100 percent cotton and very durable.
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4. Control Humidity: Maintain optimal humidity levels (ideally between 30-50%) to prevent mold growth and reduce the presence of dust mites. Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers as needed.
They come in a variety of sizes with multiple functions, so do your research to find one that's best for your space.
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5. Avoid Smoking Indoors: If you smoke, do so outside. Indoor smoking significantly degrades air quality and poses serious health risks.
6. Choose Low-VOC Products: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by certain household products, such as paints, cleaning supplies, and furniture. Choose low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives to minimize indoor pollution.
A few years ago Sherwin Williams created a paint formula with Sanitizing and Air Purifying technology. The Sanitizing Technology is perfect for bathrooms where the amount of germs and bacteria are the highest.
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I tried out their Air Purifying Technology in my master bedroom, and I'm not kidding, it really does what it says! The air in our bedroom now feels incredibly fresh and smells great!
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My Master Bedroom featuring SuperPaint Air-Purifying Technology.
Color: Quicksilver Finish/Sheen: Satin
7. Regular Maintenance: Keep your HVAC system, air filters, and ventilation systems well-maintained. Replace air filters regularly and schedule professional inspections and cleanings.
8. Use Natural Cleaning Products: Opt for natural cleaning products or those labeled as "green" to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
I normally make my own products out of ingredients like, vinegar, lemon juice, witch hazel, peroxide, and essential oils, but I occasionally come across natural cleaners at stores or online that I just have to try! My favorite brand is Seventh Generation.
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9. Reduce Clutter: Minimize the accumulation of dust and mold by reducing clutter and regularly cleaning and organizing your living spaces.
10. Bring in Plants: Certain houseplants, like snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies, can help filter out pollutants and improve indoor air quality.
11. Open Windows: Allow fresh air to circulate by regularly opening windows and doors, especially during times of good outdoor air quality.
12. Essential Oils: Use essential oils with air purifying properties, such as tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender, in a diffuser. These oils can help neutralize odors and improve air quality.
I mentioned this company in a previous post. Coastal 980. They are my absolute favorite! Their essential oils are crafted from pure oils with no alcohol or other fillers. They are very potent, and last a long time.
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13. Beeswax or Soy Candles: Unlike traditional paraffin candles, beeswax or soy candles do not release harmful pollutants into the air when burned.
Partylite is a company I love and trust. They offer a wide range of candles that are non-toxic and come with delightful scents, giving me the freedom to enjoy them without any concerns!
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14. Salt Lamps: Himalayan salt lamps are believed to release negative ions, which can help neutralize pollutants like dust, mold, and allergens. They also make a great night light for kids.
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15. Natural Fabrics: Choose natural fabrics for rugs, curtains, and upholstery to minimize the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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16. Air Out New Furniture: New furniture and furnishings can release VOCs and other toxic chemicals. Open them outside and allow them to air out before bringing them into your home if possible. You can also open the windows to air out new furniture as well.
17. No-Shoe Policy: Encourage a no-shoe policy in your home to prevent outdoor pollutants from being tracked inside.
Taking care of these aspects can really boost the overall well-being of your home and minimize the impact of the harmful chemicals mentioned in Proposition 65 warnings.
Since we often buy new stuff to decorate our homes during the holidays, it's crucial to know how to make your indoor air less toxic.
Keep in mind that different homes may have specific needs, so it's essential to assess your environment and tailor your actions accordingly.
Why Good Air Quality is Great for You
Having good air quality in your home is like giving your health a daily boost. It means you're breathing in cleaner air, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergies. Clean air contributes to better sleep, improved concentration, and an overall positive mood. Long-term benefits include a lower risk of health problems associated with poor air quality. Plus, you'll likely experience fewer headaches and better physical well-being. Ensuring good air quality is a simple yet impactful way to invest in your overall well-being and create a comfortable living environment.
Ready to embark on your own journey of transforming your home into a beautiful, healthy and holistic living space?
I'm here to help you!
Click the image to book a Discovery Call so you can get to know me, and schedule your Mini Interior Design Service for half the price—a fantastic opportunity to explore techniques for designing a space that not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also nurtures your health and well-being.
No need for major renovations or new furniture purchases, though I'm happy to offer recommendations if needed. Our focus will be on straightforward and affordable ways to transform and enhance your home environment.
This is a limited time offer so book today, and receive 50% off the regular price of $200.
How it works:
1. Discovery Call
Upon scheduling your Discovery Call, I'll connect with you at the designated time you've chosen. During this session, I'll introduce myself and talk a bit about my background, and how I got into sustainable and holistic interior design. I'll also explain my design process. This is also a chance for me to hear about your ideas for the space we'll be working on together. If we both feel like our ideas and goals match up, I'll ask for payment to move forward.
2. Consultation
I'll start by asking about the type of room we're working on, then send you a brief questionnaire to understand your personal style and goals. A rough layout draft with room measurements will help kick off our journey. We'll also schedule a 30-minute call to discuss your main concerns and collaboratively create a beautiful, healthier, and harmonious living space.
3. Initial Design Concept
With your insights, I'll craft a design concept tailored to your style, geared to improve indoor quality and flow, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being. If If you desire to see alternative options —I'm open to revisions.
4. Final Design Package
Once you give the green light, I'll put together a final design concept package.
This includes:
1. The final design look.
2. 2D floor plan with instructions on recreating your revamped space.
3. Shopping list with online links to the featured items.
Additionally, I'll provide a list of eco-friendly and holistic household essentials to help cleanse and maintain your new healthy space.
Click the image above and let's get started on this transformative journey!
Happy Holistic Holidays!
The Holistic Home Stylist at Pure Oasis Interiors
Client Design Concepts
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Eco-Friendly Items I Buy for my Home
Gluten-Free Crustless Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
2 eggs
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
1 ¼ cups evaporated milk
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
¼ cup chopped pecans (Optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Beat eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a bowl until blended. Stir in milk and pumpkin until mixture is smooth; transfer to a 9-inch glass pie dish. Sprinkle with pecans.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until set, 30 to 40 minutes more. Cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
*Recipe from www.allrecipes.com
Hello! I'm Quandera, The Holistic Home Stylist!
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