Are you looking to improve indoor air quality at your facility or place of business? If so, your first thought might be to invest in an air purifier. While that can certainly help with improving air quality, it will not address the entire issue.
Maximizing indoor air quality requires a holistic approach. Investing in good cleaning products is one of the best things you can do to boost air quality. Let’s dive into how you can help everyone breathe easier with some smart choices in cleaning products.
Factors That Impact Indoor Air Quality
Before we get into cleaning products that improve air quality, let’s recap what you are up against. Here are a few things that can reduce indoor air quality.
Outdoor Air Pollution
We’ll start with an obvious one. If outdoor air quality is poor, it will impact indoor air quality. A common example is pollen. When pollen counts are high, indoor air quality is bound to suffer. Quality air filters and an air purifier system can help offset pollen counts.
You also need to minimize any other indoor pollutants, as they can magnify the negative impacts of a high pollen count.
Pet Dander
You may not realize the effects of pet dander on indoor air quality. Even if you do not allow pets inside your business, you might have high levels of pet dander inside.
At least a few of your employees – and perhaps many of your customers – are pet owners. Over time, they can inadvertently transfer pet dander from their homes to your business.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds are substances that can evaporate into the air and reduce indoor air quality. Traditional cleaning products often contain VOCs, which can cause a host of issues, including dizziness and headaches.
Choose cleaning products that are low in VOCs — or, better yet, VOC-free. These products clean effectively without filling your building with harmful compounds. Making the switch ensures a safer environment for your team and contributes to a healthier planet.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters are meant to capture contaminants and prevent them from entering your environment. However, dirty air filters do not work as they should. In fact, they actually have the potential to make the air quality worse.
A great solution for businesses is to invest in HEPA air filters, as they effectively capture airborne contaminants and other unwanted materials floating in the air.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny, insect-like pests that feed on human skin cells. Dust mites thrive in humid, warm settings. Anywhere dust accumulates can be a haven for them.
Why should you be concerned about these little insects? Dust mites can contribute to all sorts of respiratory symptoms. When your building has dust mites, people might experience sneezing, runny noses, nasal congestion, and other issues.
Improve Air Quality With the Right Cleaning Products
There are all sorts of contaminants floating about. The good news is that you can help employees and customers breathe easier with the right cleaning products. Some products you should add to your arsenal include the following.
HEPA Vacuum
Aren’t all vacuums the same? Not by a long shot. Most vacuums have a standard air filter that contributes to germs, pollen, and pollutants blown back into the air.
However, top-end vacuums are equipped with HEPA filters. The Intelligence Design Manufacturing HEPA Vacuum is a prime example.
Our powerful vacuum is designed to hold up during rigorous daily use, capturing more indoor air pollutants than your standard vacuum. This vacuum is also strong enough to address dust mites, pollen, and pet dander in carpeted areas.
Microfiber Mops and Dusters
The tools you use for cleaning also impact air quality. Traditional mops and dusters do not get the job done completely capturing dust and allergens, but microfiber dusters do.
Microfiber dusters are one of the best cleaning tool investments you can make. They don’t stir up as much dust when you glide over the surface you are cleaning, meaning better air quality.
In addition, microfiber tools often require less cleaning solution. This means you can reduce the amount of VOCs emitted into the air.
Floor Scrubbers
What does floor cleanliness have to do with indoor air quality? More than you might think. When your floors are not treated, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Eventually, some of these microscopic organisms will accumulate in the air.
Floor scrubbers can handle today’s cleaning needs better than traditional cleaning methods. IDM’s floor scrubbers also feature a powerful vacuum system that captures excess water and helps keep airborne pollutants from getting flung into the air during cleaning.
Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Good cleaning products and tools are the first step to better air quality. However, there are a few other steps you can take to give your indoor air quality a boost. We suggest that you take these additional actions.
Implement Good Ventilation Practices
While this isn’t directly about cleaning products, good ventilation practices go hand in hand with your cleaning routine. Whenever you clean, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
Opening windows and using fans to help circulate fresh air is a good idea to help remove any airborne chemicals that may be released during cleaning.
Regularly Clean Air Filters and Ducts
Part of maintaining good indoor air quality is ensuring that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are clean. Regularly changing or cleaning air filters and ducts can significantly reduce the circulation of dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
This effort is particularly important in places where the quality of the air can directly impact the health of employees and customers, such as restaurants or medical facilities.
Educate Your Team
Improving indoor air quality is a team effort. Educate your employees about the importance of using safe cleaning products and practices. Encourage them to report any issues with air quality, such as persistent odors or dust buildup. Taking this step can help create a healthy work environment and foster a culture of care and responsibility.
If you outsource cleaning tasks to a professional cleaning crew, ensure your provider is in line with your standards. Let them know how much you value good indoor air quality. Also, ask them to use green chemicals if they are not already doing so.
Create a Safer Business Environment with Our Support
Are you ready to improve indoor air quality at your place of business? If so, IDM can give you the tools you need to succeed. From microfiber cloths to ride-on floor scrubbers, we are confident you can find a tool or machine to support your business.
Take advantage of our huge selection of cleaning tools and products to address your cleaning needs. Need additional support finding the right product for the job? Contact our helpful team for dedicated support.