Clean and refreshing - that’s what we’re aiming for…

This is one of those things that you probably wouldn’t think about until usually you have an issue (usually something health related or mould within the home) however by implementing some very simple ideas that could help you enjoy your indoor spaces more…

1. General Ventilation

It’s pretty standard now to have trickle vents as part of your window system - These allow small but consistent amounts of ‘new air’ into your space. Obviously the outside air is technically polluted so I’m not saying to open every window in your home but consider creating a cycle of air that gets refreshed. Trickle vents with the added use of extraction fans will quickly keep your space (especially bathrooms and kitchens) fresher with less moisture/odours.

2. Salt Lamps

I actually love my salt lamp. Pink Himalayan Salt to be exact! I was gifted this at Christmas and have placed it on my bedside table. This lamp can literally be left on 24/7 and doesn’t interfere with your sleep. Not only can these lamps act as a great visual decor accessory to the space but more importantly the salt is a natural air purifier. Heathline states ‘Salt lamps are said to provide health benefits because they are “natural ionizers,” meaning they change the electrical charge of the circulating air.’ and ‘It’s suggested that Himalayan salt lamps may produce ions by attracting water particles that evaporate off as a salt solution when heated by the lamp, forming mostly negative ions.’

3. Indoor Plants

We need carbon dioxide and plants need oxygen - the most natural partnership! So include them in your built environment too!

Here’s the top plants that Patch suggests:

• Snake plant

• Ficus Bejamina

• Devils Ivy

• English Ivy

• Fiscus Elastica

• Anthurium

• Dracaena Fragrans

• Cactus

4. Paint

This is something that likely covers nearly every wall in your home - so why would you want to add potential toxins to the entire space? The idea with air-purifying paint is that it reduces the amount of formaldehyde. You usually will recognise this pollutant by its strong odour and can also be found in other building materials such as glues and fibreboards.

I’ve recently re-painted my bedroom with GoodHome Air Purifying Brilliant White Matt Emulsion from B&Q and I’ve got to say it’s been great so far! Covers well, really decent price and can also be used on timber skirting! Completely brightened up the space!

5. Beeswax Candles

Much like the Salt Lamps the science behind using Beeswax candles all revolves around the negative ions that the wax emits when melted. The other main things that help keep the air clean in general is that they release a natural scent and produce almost no smoke (compared to many paraffin candles which can be known to release black smoke when extinguished). These are not the only benefits of using a natural material like beeswax - they also tend to burn slower and therefore last longer! More on clean air via beeswax candles

Now in my bedroom I currently have implemented/had all of these for the past few months and I feel like they have made a difference, especially when it comes to my sleeping pattern and the general smell of the room.. Everything feels a lot fresher and lighter in general.

Obviously all of these elements can be implemented reasonably easily however if you are looking to improve on a self-build house design in terms of air quality then more can be implemented at design/construction stage which we will delve into in later property posts.

For now hopefully these are some more realistic things that can be easily implemented in your current space… So let me know in the comments below if you have tried any and how you’ve found them!