Winter’s arrival – and the dropping temperatures and unpredictable weather it brings – means more time spent indoors. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, either. After a hectic fall, there are few things more satisfying than curling up on your living room couch in front of a warm fire as the winter weather outside rages on. But it’s difficult to lean into those warm and cozy winter vibes if your home isn’t as clean as it could be.
Ensuring your house is clean and germ-free is important year-round, to be sure, but it’s important to pay extra attention during winter, when there’s less fresh air circulating, resulting in decreased indoor air quality, increased allergens, and uncomfortably dry skin. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to combat stale winter air while also getting rid of household germs in the process.
1. Replace the filter in your air purifier
Cleaner air starts with a quality air purifier, and the most important component of your air purifier is the filter. If the filter isn’t clean and functioning properly, your purifier won’t work as intended.
2. Rinse your humidifier regularly
With your furnace on much of the day to combat the cold winter air outside, it’s easy for your indoor air to get dried out. That’s where having a humidifier comes in—but only if it’s clean! A dirty humidifier could be releasing bacteria and mold into your home without you even knowing it. That’s not good news for anyone, and it’s even worse for those with asthma or allergies.
3. Deep clean your humidifier once a week
Whichever model of humidifier you opt for, plan on giving it a deeper clean once a week. A one-to-one solution of water and white vinegar will help remove limescale buildup, while a solution that’s four parts water to one part hydrogen peroxide will kill any bacteria or mold. (Important! Never mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. The combination can be toxic.)
4. Check-in with your furnace or HVAC
During cold winter months, your furnace or HVAC system will be working overtime to keep your house warm. While you should always contact a professional if your system is having serious problems – and plan to have it inspected annually to help ward off more costly repairs – there are also preventative steps you can take to ensure it keeps chugging along.
5. A cleaner house = cleaner air
Focusing on the air in your home is one good way to help you and your family breathe easier this winter, but regular cleaning – especially of your high-touch surfaces, floors, rugs, kitchen, and bathroom – will also go a long way in getting rid of household germs.