You might take steps to ensure the food and water you drink is clean and healthy. But what about the air you breathe in your body thousands of times per day? Are you making sure that is clean, too? Air pollution is detrimental to humans, causing respiratory diseases, asthma and other sickness. Read on to discover ways to improve your indoor air quality.

Keep Smoke Out

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in America. Thousands of toxic chemicals enter the body with one puff, and over time cause serious health risks. In turn, secondhand smoke also poses serious health risks. If you or a loved one smokes indoors, everybody who enters your home will be affected. If you or a loved one smokes outdoors, the smoke residue on your clothes will still be carried into your home and indirectly affect everybody in the home. Stopping smoking will create the most notable improvement in air quality.

Reduce Moisture

High moisture levels are perfect environments for growing mold and mildew. If left untreated, those with asthma will have symptoms flair up, and those without will become susceptible to getting asthma. Use a dehumidifier if moisture levels rise, and turn on the vent whenever taking a shower. Open windows and turn a fan on to create a breeze and circulate air. Using an air conditioner with a HEPA filter will vent out a room, reduce moisture levels and clean impurities in the air. HVAC companies like C B Lucas Heating & Air Conditioning professionals can affordably install a HEPA filter in your home.

Keep Things Clean

Leaving windows open is great for reducing moisture, but will bring in unwanted dust and air impurities that will settle on the countertops and floors. Regularly vacuum the floor with a high-powered vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Mop kitchen and hardwood floors and wipe down counter tops. If you don’t always have time to vacuum, enforce a no shoes indoor rule. Shoes bring in a variety of dirt and germs that your home’s floors will pick up.

Get Rid of Scented Air Fresheners

Scented air fresheners release many toxic chemicals in the air. So while they may make your home smell good, they won’t do well for your health. Consider natural alternatives to reduce odors such as baking soda, and eliminate wall plug-ins and scented air sprays.

Get Chemical-Killing Plants

Certain plants will both make your home look nicer and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene, ammonia, xylene and toluene in the air. Peace Lily is a gorgeous flowering plant that removes VOCs and doesn’t require much care, but keep it out of sunlight. Chrysanthemum and Devil’s Ivey also remove VOCs, but like the sunlight. For optimal protection, get a couple different plants. Be warned, these plants are unsafe for human and animal consumption.

If poor indoor air quality is getting you down, don’t fear. Follow these five steps, and your air quality will be improved within hours. A clean home is a healthy home, and a healthy home is one you’ll want to come back to night after night. Sleep peacefully knowing you’ve done your best to make sure your family breathes easily and naturally.