How to Keep Your Kitchen Air Clean for Your Health

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

While we often think of the air, we breathe outdoors when talking about pollution, indoor air quality matters as well. The following pollutants can be found in indoor air:

• Pollen
• Bacteria
• Animal hair and dander
• Mold
• Carbon Monoxide
• Formaldehyde
• Tobacco smoke
• Combustion gases

The kitchen is one of the largest producers of air contaminants, often food in fumes and smoke produced by cooking. Cooking smoke contains toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and several toxic volatile hydrocarbons, as well as volatile organic compounds. Some of these toxic gases contain carcinogens and other harmful trace elements. Cooking at high temperatures with oil and salt increases the risk of carcinogenic exposure. This is especially true when regularly cooking meat and using gas ovens and stoves.

Simple Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

So, what can you do to improve your indoor air quality and protect your health? There’s no need to give up cooking or change up your favorite meals. The best way to improve air quality is through filtration and ventilation. An HVAC system can help maintain air quality. Be sure to get it tuned up regularly and change air filters every 90 days or sooner.

Your HVAC system filters aren’t the only ones on your “to-check” list. Don’t forget to take a peek at the filters in your vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer, and kitchen vents when you replace your air filters. These filters are often forgotten about and can get clogged up with dirt, dust, and debris.

If you’re having your HVAC system tuned up regularly and are on top of changing the air filters but still finding the air quality isn’t up to par? You may want to have your air ducts checked out by a professional. The ducts move hot and cold air throughout your home. If there’s an issue with their installation or maintenance, they may be passing dust, debris, and other undesirable contaminants.

Depending on the climate you live in, and the current season, your home may benefit from a few dehumidifiers. Humidity in the air can trigger mold and mildew growth. Place humidifiers in your most high-traffic areas to better control the humidity levels.

Vacuuming carpets weekly and sweeping floors every couple of days is crucial to reducing the amount of potential pollutants in your home. This is especially important if you have pets that leave behind dander and bring in debris from outdoors.

Finally, make use of your exhaust fans and kitchen hoods. Running the exhaust fan after using the bath or shower will remove any contaminants and moisture from the air. Your kitchen hood is the ideal tool for removing any toxins produced while cooking. They also snag grease and make your home smell better overall. For best results, run your kitchen range hood every single time you cook. Regular maintenance of your range hood can also help maintain good indoor air quality. If you have charcoal filters, replace them every 2 to 3 months. For baffle filters, we recommend running them through the dishwasher or cleaning them with hot soapy water at least once a month.