Tips to Improve the IAQ in Your Home this Summer

The temperatures just starting hitting the 90-degree mark in Lancaster County, and many homeowners are cranking up their Air Conditioning (AC) systems. While turning on the AC keeps homeowners cool, it turns the house into a closed loop. Without proper ventilation, airborne pollutants, moisture, and odors become trapped, rapidly deteriorating indoor air quality (IAQ).

As such, Angie has three tips, so homeowners can improve the IAQ in their homes during the summer months to help keep their homes clean.

Taming the Trash

High summer temperatures and humidity act like an accelerator for bacteria. As a result, garbage decomposes at a much faster rate than usual, resulting in the release of unpleasant odors, airborne mold spores, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). In order to prevent these issues from occurring, you can try these tricks:

• Freeze Scraps: If you are placing meat, vegetable scraps, or any food leftovers in the garbage can, consider putting them in a compostable bag and storing them in the freezer until trash day. This stops decomposition completely.
• Downsize the Can: Use a smaller trash can in the kitchen during the summer. This forces households to empty the trash more frequently before bacteria can colonize.
• Baking Soda and Charcoal: Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the trash bin to neutralize acidic odors. Alternatively, place an activated charcoal odor-absorber inside the base of the trashcan.
• Disinfect Regularly: Cleaning the actual trash bin weekly with an eco-friendly disinfectant or a simple water-and-vinegar solution to kill lingering bacteria.

Managing Pet Dander and Odors

As the weather warms up, pets shed their heavy winter coats. Increased dander (dead skin cells), loose fur, and outdoor allergens like pollen hitched to their fur can trigger indoor allergies. Plus, warm weather amplifies the natural oils in a pet’s skin, leading to that distinct “dog smell.” Here are some solutions to prevent this from happening:

• Establish an Outdoor Grooming Station: Brush pets frequently on the porch or in the yard to keep the bulk of the floating dander out of the house.
• “Wipe Down” Routine: Keep a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes by the door. Wipe down your pets’ paws and fur after walks to trap pollen and outdoor dust before it gets tracked inside.
• Upgrade the Vacuum: Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter at least twice a week. Standard vacuums often blow tiny dander particles straight back into the air.
• Wash Pet Bedding Weekly: Pet beds function as giant sponges for dander, saliva, and dirt. Wash them on a hot cycle weekly to kill dust mites and eliminate odor.

Controlling Indoor Humidity

High humidity does more than make a room feel sticky; it creates a prime breeding ground for dust mites and mold. Ideally, indoor humidity should be kept between 30% and 50%. Anything above 55% is an invitation for mold growth. Here are some tips to eliminate humidity in your home:

• Run Exhaust Fans: Always use the exhaust fans in the bathroom when showering and in the kitchen when cooking. The trick is to leave them running for 20 minutes after you finish to fully clear the moisture.
• Deploy a Dehumidifier: In naturally damp areas like basements or crawlspaces, a standalone dehumidifier is essential. Ensure it drains properly or is emptied daily.
• Set the AC Fan to “Auto”: If the thermostat fan is set to “on,” it blows continuously. When the cooling cycle ends, the fan blows air over the wet AC coils, sending all that evaporated moisture right back into the home. Setting the fan to “auto” prevents this.
• Check the AC Filter: A clogged HVAC filter restricts airflow, making it harder for the air conditioner to effectively remove moisture from the air. Switch to a fresh filter at the start of summer.
• Keep the Windows Closed: If the outdoor humidity is high, keep windows closed, even if it cools down at night. Bringing in muggy night air just traps moisture inside your drywall and furniture, forcing your AC to work twice as hard the next day.

By properly managing the trash, pet dander and odors, and humidity in your home, you can ensure your house has good IAQ. For more home cleaning tips, information about residential cleaning services, and how Angie can help your home look it’s best this summer, visit: AngiesCustomCleaning.com.