Indoor air quality is a major concern for many people, especially those who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. Poor indoor air quality can affect your health, comfort, and productivity. Indoor air can be way more polluted than outdoor air, according to a study published by Science in 2018. The study found that indoor air pollutants, like asthma and allergy triggers, can be found on floors and carpets and are easy to inhale. For instance, a study by the Minnesota Department of Health found that the floors at local schools had the highest concentrations of allergens in the building. The EPA says that poor indoor air quality can cause more than just asthma and allergy symptoms – it can also lead to fatigue, breathing problems, and headaches.

A woman vacuuming a carpet at home

What is Dust?

Dust is one of the leading causes of indoor air pollution. Dirt, pollen, mould spores, pet dander, dust mites, germs, viruses, and chemicals can all be found in dust, which is a combination of microscopic particles. In your home, dust can gather on surfaces and become airborne when disturbed by motion or airflow. The nose, throat, and lungs may become irritated, inflamed, or infected as a result of breathing in dust. Additionally, allergies and asthma problems can be brought on by dust.

What should we do?

The best way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen. It is not always possible to control the environment. To help control and reduce exposure to asthma and allergy triggers, the Asthma Society of Canada (ASC) suggests employing several treatments, with a focus on vacuuming. The following vacuuming and floor cleaning recommended practises can assist in achieving superior air quality in business buildings or homes, which can enhance tenants’ quality of life, attendance, and productivity:

1. Create a foundation for cleaning

Create a floor plan that highlights the locations with the highest daily foot traffic so that cleaning can be prioritized for those areas. At least twice a year, deep cleaning with hot water extraction should be performed by carpet cleaning professionals, and any residual moisture should be dried with blowers or carpet dryers. To guarantee the greatest results, carpets should also be replaced as directed by the manufacturer’s guidelines and cleaning equipment, especially vacuums and their filters, should be kept in good working order.

2. Use proper vacuuming methods and techniques

Both carpeted and hard surface floors should be vacuumed frequently, slowly, and repeatedly. At least two vacuum passes should be made daily in high-traffic areas. Before wet mopping, remove dry dirt with a vacuum rather than a dry mop since vacuums remove allergens and dirt that brooms and mops spread across the floor and into the air. Remember to pay extra attention to walk-off mats, which need to be cleaned professionally every few days and should be swept at least once a day.

3. Select the Proper Features and Tools

Use hard-surface cleaning equipment to clean difficult-to-reach regions and to access more allergen-producing areas. To fully clean and decrease allergens on many surfaces, including tile, use high-quality HEPA filter vacuums with a certified sealed system, a vacuum that retains allergens as it removes them because some vacuums add particles and allergens back into the air. For peace of mind, look for products with certificates. For routine deep cleaning, choose a professional carpet and floor cleaning business.

What is a HEPA filter?

A HEPA filter is a high-efficiency particulate air filter that can capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns in diameter. A human hair has a diameter of roughly 70 microns as a point of comparison. Dust, pollen, mould spores, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, viruses, and other allergens that can harm your health can be captured by a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter pushes air through a tight mesh of tiny fibres that trap the particles. To preserve its effectiveness and avoid clogging, the filter needs to be changed or cleaned regularly.

What is a certified sealed system?

A certified sealed system is a vacuum cleaner design that ensures that all the air that enters the vacuum passes through the HEPA filter before being expelled out of the vacuum. A certified sealed system eliminates any leaks or vacuum gaps that would let unfiltered air return into the space.

Additionally, a certified sealed system guarantees the vacuum has sufficient suction to draw the particles through the HEPA filter without reducing airflow. An independent testing agency can validate a certified sealed system.

How to use a vacuum cleaner to improve indoor air quality?

To properly use a vacuum cleaner to improve indoor air quality, follow these basic guidelines:

• Select a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and a certified sealed system.
• Vacuum on a frequent and thorough basis. The Canadian Lung Association suggests vacuuming using a central vacuum system or one with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter at least once a week. vacuuming at least once a week. If you have pets or allergies, vacuum more frequently.
• Not just the floors, but all surfaces in your home should be vacuumed. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstery, curtains, beds, pillows, and furniture, as well as any other areas where dust may build.
• To reach difficult-to-clean locations such as corners, crevices, staircases, baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans, use attachments and accessories.
• Empty or replace the vacuum bag or bin regularly. Do not fill it more than halfway.
• Clean or replace the HEPA filter as directed by the manufacturer.
• Keep the vacuum cleaner in a clean and dry place.

The first thing we do after our arrival is to vacuum

By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize your vacuum cleaner to improve indoor air quality in your home or office. You can also supplement vacuuming with other strategies such as dusting with a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth, using an air purifier, opening windows for ventilation, avoiding smoking indoors, decreasing clutter, selecting low-emission items, and controlling humidity and moisture.

Asthma and allergies in buildings are serious issues, affecting millions who spend large amounts of time indoors, and it is important to recognize that asthma and allergy triggers often come from floors and carpets. By taking strategic initial steps, using proper techniques, and utilizing the correct products, you can breathe easy knowing you are providing clean air quality through vacuuming and floor cleaning.