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Did you know we breathe approximately 3,000 gallons of air/day? Dr. Dennis also shared in his presentation I watched that the air we breathe is five times more important to health than all treatment (i.e. from doctors, hospitals, and medication), that the air we breathe is twice as important as our genetics, and that the air must be clean in order to get well. I wanted to share some things I've done to increase the air quality in our home! I like to be vigilant, so I am not doing these things because there is a problem, but to make the air in our home better and to be proactive.
1. Air Purifier
I've researched these for over a decade and I figured it was time to finally get one! This one was mentioned by Dr, Dennis and was much more affordable than other options I'd found over the years! Here's what I went with (affiliate code: SB15). I got the MA-112 model which provides air purification for a large surface area - over 2,000 square feet! Their site shares that in thirty minutes, this air purifier captures 99.9% of harmful particles (down to 0.1 microns) like:
allergens
VOC's (think off-gassing items like getting a new couch!)
pollen
pet dander
smoke
dust (thank you, I need all the help I can get there!)
smog
other contaminants
Aside from the stats listed above, I like it because it is quiet. I typically leave it on the lowest setting all the time and it is quiet enough for conversation and watching a show without me really noticing it. Higher than that, it is definitely noticeable, but I like to increase it when I know I'm not going to be in the room much, when I'm cleaning, or cooking something with a strong smell (i.e. fish) or when there's a lot of smoke in the air (like from my hubby's delicious fried chicken - post coming soon!). It also has a child lock so I don't have to worry about settings changing if someone comes over or while I'm cleaning the outside of it. The filters are easy to get to and easy to change. Speaking of which...I think it's time!
A few other bells and whistles it has is that there's a timer, so if I didn't want it on all the time or if I wanted to run a higher cycle for a bit, I could do that. It goes up to eight hours. Their filters use a three-layer system and have an airtight seal. Just typing this I am talking myself into buying another one!
2. Air Purification Candles
Probably the easiest way to change my indoor environment is to light an EC3 Air Purification Candle (affiliate code: SATIATEDBLONDE). The company has an original formula , a 3-pack (economical), and a newer beeswax formula. I like them both, but the beeswax one is slightly larger! Also, I've never had a candle burn so well and use up almost all the wax! The wick trimmer is also my favorite and helps with smoking and to get the most out of the candle.
The really awesome part about the candles is that they're third-party lab tested to reduce airborne mold spores. Actually, they do more than reduce. The analysis showed that in the lab setting, the EC3 Air Purification Candle will eliminate mycotoxins like: aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and trichothecenes at 250ppb or less (and reduces them by 90% at higher concentrations: 500-1000ppb) in just three hours. Micro Balance Health Products (affiliate code: SATIATEDBLONDE) has the detailed results available on their website.
When I first get a candle or if I'm in a new space, I burn it for three hours (after trimming the wick). Then, I try to burn one in every room for an hour every other day or so. If I go out of town or forget, or just have a lot of errands to run so I cannot be burning candles, I will light it again for three hours.
You can read more about these candles here and other candles that pass my test here.
3. House Filters
We change these seasonally and get the highest MERV rating available.
4. Cold Fogging
As part of my mold vigilance plan, I cold fog our home with an electrostatic fogger. The Mold Solution Concentrate I use inside as it's nontoxic and designed to be naturally antifungal. Unlike fogging with other solutions or thermal fogging, it is safe and I don't have to worry about breathing it. I have even fogged myself! Anyways, I vacuum then fog, wait about an hour or two and then sweep again. Their website shares more details on this, but electrostatic technology provides a positive charge to the droplets as they spray from the machine. They also share that, "Fogging is one of the most effective ways to deep clean and rid indoor spaces of mold spores, musty odors, airborne particulates, allergens, and harmful germs."
I thought there would be more of a learning curve using it, but it's really so easy! The hardest part is making sure I don't trip on the cord and making sure to plug it into multiple outlets as I move around the house!
5. Clean Air Maintenance
For maintenance in between fogging, I mist down pillows, couches, chairs, carpets, curtains, and more with EC3 Mold Solution Spray. I share more about this product here. and answer lots of questions I first had about it here! It's also what I used before I got a fogger that got such great results on the Mold Screening Test Plates! Sometimes I'll just walk through the house and spray it throughout the air, too. I share my step-by-step mold screening and results here if you're interested!
While I'm on the topic, when I change our bedding, I spray down the mattress and decorative pillows with this spray. I just make sure the mattress is completely dry before putting the sheets on. I also travel with a bottle of this (too big for flying, though). I spray down the hotel room, bed, carpet, all of it.
6. Houseplants
I have a couple snake plants and peace lilies around-- and this peace lily has been in bloom for well over a month! I'm sure you've seen the study.
With all these things in place, the air in our home is fresher. Most noticeably so when I come home from being away for a bit. It doesn't have a smell anymore, but it used to! What's your favorite way to keep the air in your home clean? Tell me in the comments. See me fogging, sitting in EC3 candlelight, misting our home, and setting the air purifier on socials!
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