Maintaining a clean and safe air quality in the office, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, is vital. There are many types of pollutants that can be found around the workplace, including:
- Dust
- Smoke
- Paint
- Paint stripper
- Gas heaters/stoves
- Cooking fumes
- Dander
- Refuse
- Mold
And many other microparticles found in the air. Here are 10 tips to prevent and eliminate airborne pollutants in the office.
Carpeting
If you can, remove it. If you can’t, vacuum it regularly. Dust, dander, and mold can easily accumulate in the fibers, constantly being released into the air with foot traffic.
Plants
Plants are already a great fixture for an office, so you might as well invest in ones with function as well as decor.Look for plants that don’t need super wet soil in order to prevent microorganism growth (and while you’re at it, address/monitor anything else that’s recurrently wet in the building). Pick low allergy plants without pollen/blooms that can survive in limited light and that purify the relevant toxins. These will likely include palms, lilies, mums, and ivy.
Air Purifiers
Using a HEPA air filter/purifier, especially an ionic one, will help rid the air of its toxic floating particles. Look for one that’s got a high circulation rate and an efficient collector. Changing filters and ducts regularly will also reduce particle build-up and prevent it from recirculating in the airflow which would render the appliance counterproductive.
Ventilation
Natural ventilation, circulating inside-outside, is also a fantastic way to avoid stagnant air and mould development in the warmer months. Using fans/vents that draw air from outside to flush out polluted indoor air and keep surfaces disrupted enough not to have microorganism growth is key. Keeping furniture away from air sources will also improve their reachability and flow.
Dehumidify
Mold tends to thrive in dark and moist environments. It’s good practice to maintain a neutral to dry environment where it can’t develop on furniture, carpets, papers, and walls.
Alarms
While most air pollutants are odorless, this one is much more dangerous than the rest: carbon monoxide. Be sure to obsessively check batteries on detectors for gasses and smoke in the air.
Shoes
Removing shoes before entering an indoor space will decrease the pollen, dirt, and refuse that gets tracked in and becomes airborne.
Microfiber
Using highly functional daily maintenance tools like microfiber cloths will result in the capture of most particles rather than spreading them around and defusing them back into the air from their settled surfaces. Microfiber is also the second most effective (70%) filtering material used for homemade face masks against the Covid-19 pathogens, next to the N-95 masks (90%).
Eco-Products
Using products with low VOCs and pesticides, like bathroom sprays, produce, and cleaning solutions can reduce the chemical toxins released into the air.
Cleaning
Above all else, one of the best things you can do is hire professionals. Have plumbing and foundations looked at and maintained while scheduling a crew to come in for regular cleanings and occasional deep cleans. Cleaners like City Wide Cleaning Services will vacuum, scrub, dust, disinfect, and wash materials that collect dust or spores. They’ll also remove clutter, so air can properly circulate and debris and dust can’t build up. Regular structural checks, maintenance, and deep cleaning operations will prevent accumulation and growth before it can even begin, keeping all workers and guests safe and healthy. Book your estimate or clean today!