The pollution crisis continues to be big problem in New Delhi. The focus has shifted slightly after the government released a bombshell announcement to curb black money, but we shouldn’t forget our air quite so easily.
Even though the pollution levels outside are ridiculously high, you can control the pollution levels at home. Keeping your homes safe can go a long way in keeping your family (especially children and senior citizens) safe and healthy. Here are 5 ways in which you can do this…
- Clean your homes as often as possible
Most of the pollutants at home are dust particles that come in during the day, as people move in and out. Open the screens, punch your couch and observe the air around in sunlight; you’ll see a lot of dust particles floating in the air. They are the most common allergens, especially for kids.
It’s a good idea to keep the house dust-free by sweeping it twice a day. It would be even better if you could vaccum the house twice or thrice a week, if you have one. This is the simplest step by which you can remove the most common and the largest pollutants that your homes have.
Bonus: People have a habit of entering houses and walking around a lot, before taking off their shoes. Often the “shoe place” in homes in somewhere inside. This is a sure shot way of bringing dust, dirt and everything else that you stepped on into your homes. Keep this “shoe place” near the exit door, and if you really need to wear shoes inside, keep special “home shoes” that you only use indoors. Your cleaning job will certainly get easier.
- Turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms 4-5 times a day
Do so, especially while you are in these rooms. Kitchens have flames that emit toxic gases and unburnt carbon particles, that can linger inside for long periods. Bathrooms on the other hand, become extremely humid after one uses them. Exhaust fans suck out the toxic and humid air from inside and expel it outside, making way for fresher air inside your homes. You cannot ventilate your homes traditionally by keeping windows and doors open during this time; that beats the purpose. Exhaust fans are your next best option.
However, open ventilation is recommended if you find that the pollution levels are lower than normal around your house. The newspapers generally come up with the expected figures for the day for your locality. Accordingly, open your windows to allow proper air circulation. If you find that the day is a windy one, there is no better day to go for open ventilation.
- Invest in an air purifier
Purchasing an air purifier is a very investment, not just now but for Delhiites in general. Small units for the most-used rooms will be more convenient and less expensive the home-wide systems. The costs range from 3,000-12,000 on online platforms. Choose the one that best suits your needs by comparing the specifications.
- Natural air purifiers-plants!
If you want to go for the ultimate natural way to purify the air, I highly recommend having plants in your homes. Certain plants have leaves and even roots that absorb trace toxic gases from the air and make way for cleaner air. Not only will the clean the air, they will make your homes fresher and brighter. Studies have shown that people with house plants tend to be more relaxed and happier than people who don’t have house plants.
- Avoid using commercial air fresheners
Even though you’d like to remove the smell of pollution from inside your homes, using air fresheners is not the best option to do so. They are artificial; therefore, they contain chemicals. It could lead to allergies among your family members and decreases the overall air quality in your homes. The good smell is just a cover.
A better way to keep your homes fresh and good-smelling is using plants.
These 5 simple steps can go a long way in keeping your homes clean and pollution-free. If you use even a few of them, you will be guaranteed a safe haven from the toxic hell that is outdoor Delhi. (What else can you do? Check out Delhi air pollution: Here’s how YOU can fight it.)
Eco-intelligent™ 
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