Did you know that the air inside your home may be filled with more pollutants than the air outside? We've all heard of opening the windows to let in some "fresh air," but misconceptions have left many people thinking that they can escape bad air by staying indoors. Newsflash: indoor air may be more detrimental than good for your health. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to clean up the air in your home, so you can take a deep breath and relax.

Plant One on Your Loved Ones

A simple first step to cleaning your air is to purchase indoor plants that are especially good for this purpose. You can make fresh air grow in your home by purchasing any of the following houseplant varieties: Peace lily, Rubber plant, Bamboo palm, Areca palm, English ivy, Ficus Aliii, or the Boston fern. Spread plants out throughout your home to optimize their pollutant pulling power. We all know from basic science that plants draw carbon dioxide out of the air and replace it with oxygen... they also draw out dangerous toxins including chemicals released from paint, furniture, carpets and cleaners.

Invite Fresh Air in to Stay

If weather permits, you should open your windows daily to clean out your indoor air. Most people think they get sick in the winter time because it's cold outside. The real reason people fall ill is because they spend so much more time indoors with the windows closed in close proximity to other people during the winter months. Opening your windows will actually help rid your home of bacteria and airborne viruses. Winter is actually the most vital time to let the fresh air in, and if you crack your windows open slightly, it won't make your home frigid, and it may increase your heating bill, but only by pennies per hour. I'd rather pay for heating than medicine or doctor visits anyway!

Make sure Home Improvements really are Improvements

If you have the space to let new furniture items such as mattresses, particleboard cabinetry and pressboard shelving air out before installing it in your home, doing so will decrease the amount of indoor pollutants circulating in your air.  If you're painting a room, choose a safe paint that won't emit VOC's (volatile organic compounds) into the air. If you're putting in wallpaper, use a natural water based adhesive over a toxic glue.

Say "Nay" to Sprays

The less you can spray products throughout your home, the better. Hair spray, insecticides, oven cleaners, air fresheners... all of these sprays add up! Use them sparingly, and preferably near an open window in a well ventilated room. Aerosol sprays are especially harmful to personal and environmental health.

Break Out the Feather Duster

Toxins may settle easily into the dust throughout your home, so it's important to dust and then vacuum on a regular basis. Dust and vacuum even more frequently if you are pregnant, have young children, or pets.

Maintain a Strict, Smoke Free Environment

Keep your children and your loved ones safe by never allowing anyone to smoke inside your home.

These tips should have you well on your way to cleaning up your indoor air... now go crack open your windows and enjoy your day!