2016 Spring Home & Garden
4
Three ways to improve
indoor air quality all year
A
s winter wears on, it’s not
uncommon for people living
in cold weather climates to expe-
rience some cabin fever. Winter
weather confi nes many people to
their homes, making many antsy
to get out once the fi rst signs of
spring begin to appear.
In addition to contributing to
cabin fever, winter weather can
have a negative impact on indoor
air quality. While air pollution is
something most often associated
with densely populated cities, the
air inside homes is not immune
to pollution, especially during
long winters when windows are
often closed for months at a time.
Though open windows in spring
and summer can vastly improve
indoor air quality, there are ways
to ensure that air stays fresh and
healthy regardless of which season
it happens to be.
1. Clean the fl oors.
Dirty fl oors are one of the chief
contributors to poor indoor air
quality. Dust, dirt, pollen, and pet
dander can accumulate on fl oors,
leading to poor air quality and
potentially aggravating respiratory
conditions such as asthma. When
vacuuming, use a vacuum with a
HEPA fi lter, which is a uniquely
designed mechanical air fi lter that
traps harmful particles such as
pollen, pet dander and dust mites.
When you fi nish vacuuming, mop
fl oors to gather any dust or aller-
gens that escaped the vacuum.
2. Control indoor air moisture.
Moist air is great for dust mites
and mold, both of which are very
bad for humans, so do everything
you can to maintain healthy levels
of indoor air moisture. Dehumidi-
fi ers can reduce indoor air mois-
ture and control allergens, but
it’s important to take additional
steps as well. When bathing, try
to keep a bathroom window open
on a slight crack to prevent mold
growth. When preparing meals
in the kitchen, make use of your
exhaust fan. In addition, don’t
overwater houseplants, as they
can become breeding grounds for
mold.
3. Resist synthetic fragrances.
A home that smells good tends
to feel more pleasant, especially
during winter months when win-
dows are closed. But synthetic
fragrances, such as those found
in detergents and air fresheners,
may be providing that welcoming
scent at a heavy cost to a home’s
inhabitants. Such fragrances may
be emitting various chemicals,
including volatile organic com-
pounds, or VOCs, into the air,
affecting indoor air quality and
possibly even human health. When
buying laundry products, look for
those that are fragrance-free, also
choosing home cleaning products
that do not include any artifi cial
fragrances.
Indoor air quality tends to suffer
in colder months, when windows
are closed and doors are open only
briefl y. But homeowners can take
a handful of simple yet effective
steps to ensure the air in their
homes is healthy all year long.
Homestead
Furniture:
Quality
furniture at
affordable
prices
Homestead Furniture is a fam-
ily-owned business that has been
in the same location in Cottage
Grove for over 45 years. The
restored historical building’s two
fl oors are fi lled with furniture for
every room of your home with
a vast variety of colors, fabrics,
styles and woods to fi t any taste.
They carry many name brands
of furniture. Mako is a newer
product that they offer. Solid
wood furniture in alder or pine
with 18 colors to choose from and
also custom colors are an option.
Other well know brands that they
stock are Corsicana, Spring Air,
Ashley Bench Craft, Coaster and
Porter to name a few. If you don’t
see what you are looking for, don’t
hesitate to ask Rob, he can prob-
ably get for you.
In addition to their inventory of
fi ne furniture, Homestead has a
complete fl oor-covering depart-
ment with whatever you are look-
ing for, vinyl laminates, tile, and
carpet. Expert installation with
free estimates is also a plus. Hea-
tizon systems are also available.
Financing is available through
Synchrony Financial, along with
accepting Visa, MasterCard, and
Discover cards.
OPEN
Thur., Fri., Sat.
10am-4pm
ReStore
We have
Volunteer
Opportunities
Habitat Offi ce and Warehouse
2155 Getty Circle ~ Unit #1
in the Cottage Grove Industrial Park
South on Hwy 99 past the High School
Call 541.767.0358 for more information
Email: info@habitatcg.org