The term “air quality” is usually associated with outdoor air pollution created by bumper-to-bumper traffic or from factories that pump out clouds of smoke.

The truth is, we should be equally concerned about the toxins and irritants in our homes such as pet dander, dust mites, formaldehyde and fungi.

Fear not though as there are a variety of ways to improve your home’s air quality. Here are a few easy ways to breathe new life into your home:

Unwelcome Mat
Stop dirt and other irritants from entering your home by placing doormats at each entrance.

Green Clean
Try to use homemade cleaners with natural ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda.

Air Spray
Make your own air fresheners by mixing up water, rubbing alcohol and essential oils.

Plant Purifiers
Houseplants such as peace lilies and spider plants soak up toxins and naturally purify the air.

Free the Fur
Brush your pets outside and wash their beds on a regular basis to control hair and dander.

It’s Exhausting
Ventilate your home with exhaust fans and open up your windows whenever possible.

Humid House
Monitor and adjust your home’s humidity levels to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Do the Ducts
Have your air ducts cleaned every few years to prevent irritants from travelling throughout your entire home.

When it comes to indoor air quality, it’s best to “air” on the side of caution, pardon the pun. We focus so much time and effort decorating our home for aesthetic appeal but nothing in life is quite as precious as the air we breathe.

It’s easy to improve your home’s air quality though as implementing just a few of the ideas above will turn your home into a breath of fresh air!