How to Clean the Air in Your Home from Dust and Allergens Automatic translate

Many people are sure that the air inside a house or apartment is much cleaner than outside. After all, there are no exhaust fumes from cars, unpleasant smells from the street or dust from construction sites.

However, the reality may be completely different: a closed space accumulates a lot of pollutants that can negatively affect health. This is especially true when the house is located near a busy highway, a construction site, or pets live in it. To solve the problem, you can use special devices - air purifiers. In difficult situations, cleaning companies for cleaning apartments will help out.

What are allergens and where do they live?

Before choosing the right air purifier, it’s important to understand what pollutants are in your home. Allergens are microscopic particles that can cause a variety of reactions in the body, from mild skin irritation to serious asthma attacks.

The most common sources of allergens in everyday life:

• plant pollen;
• house dust;
• mold spores;
• wool, animal dander;
• feathers and down;
• micro mites that live in furniture upholstery and bedding.

Some of these particles are visible to the naked eye, but most remain invisible and circulate freely in the air flow, settling on surfaces and getting into the human respiratory tract.

Size matters

When choosing an air purifier, it is necessary to take into account the particle size, since the filtration efficiency directly depends on this parameter.

Useful information for selecting a device:

• volatile organic compounds and viruses have a size from 0.005 to 0.1 micrometers;
• bacteria are larger, their size ranges from 0.3 to 10 microns;
• fungal spores and pollen grains reach 5–50 microns;
• Coarse dust and animal hair can exceed 100 microns.

Conventional mesh filters only handle the largest particles. More advanced cleaning systems are needed to remove small allergens.

How an air purifier works

The process of cleaning the air in the room looks simple, but at the same time provides a high degree of purification. The device takes in contaminated air, passes it through several stages of filtration and returns the already cleaned air flow back to the room.

The main element of any purifier is the filter system. The built-in fan constantly blows air through these filters. Modern models allow you to set up an automatic mode, in which sensors monitor the level of pollution and regulate the power of the device. This not only saves electricity, but also extends the service life of the filters.

Types of air purifiers

Not all purifiers are the same - they differ in design, functionality and scope of application. Let’s look at the main types.

Classic Cleaners

This is the most popular type of device designed for high-quality air purification. They work thanks to a multi-stage filtration system. HEPA filters and carbon cartridges are usually used. Some models are additionally equipped with an ionizer, UV disinfection or photocatalyst.

Climate complexes

These devices combine several functions: cleaning, humidification, sometimes aromatization and ionization. They use a water evaporator through which the air flow passes, humidifying and cleaning from large particles. Such complexes work quietly, which is convenient at night, but do not provide deep cleaning from small allergens and bacteria, since they do not contain HEPA filters.

Types of filters in air purifiers

The efficiency of the device depends on the filters used. Below are the main types of filter elements and their purpose.

Pre-filter

It is the first stage of cleaning. It retains large particles - dust, animal hair, hair. Usually made of metal mesh or washable material. The main purpose is to protect other filters from premature contamination.

Medium cleaning filter

The second stage of filtration, removing fine dust, fungal spores, pollen. Often used as additional protection before HEPA filters. Can be made of dense non-woven fabric and is subject to periodic replacement or cleaning.

HEPA filter

The most important element for fighting allergens. Capable of capturing up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers and larger. Suitable for families with children, people with allergies or asthma. Cannot be cleaned, requires replacement every 6-12 months.

Carbon filter

Eliminates unpleasant odors, chemical vapors, tobacco smoke. Contains activated carbon in granular or powder form. Used together with mechanical filters. Requires replacement every 6-8 months.

Photocatalytic filter

Works together with an ultraviolet lamp. Under the influence of UV rays, organic pollutants are broken down into safe substances - water and carbon dioxide. Effective against odors, bacteria and some viruses.

Electrostatic filter

Uses an electrical charge to trap particles. Pollutants are charged and deposited on metal plates. These filters can be washed and reused. They are good at removing dust, but less effective against odors and microorganisms.

UV disinfection

An additional function that destroys bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet radiation. Safe for people, as it is located inside the housing. Works best in conjunction with other filters.

How to Choose the Right Air Purifier

To avoid making a mistake in your choice, it is worth considering several key factors.

Possibility of 24-hour operation

For people with sensitive airways, it is important for the device to work continuously. The ideal option is a model with a night mode, minimum noise level (up to 30 dB), automatic control and air quality indicator.

Energy efficiency

Since most purifiers operate continuously, energy consumption becomes an important criterion. The average consumption is between 15 and 100 watts, but using smart control can reduce this figure.

Ease of use

The device should be easy to maintain: have clear controls, an informative screen, filter replacement indicators and accessible compartments for their installation. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of wheels, handles, child protection and the length of the power cable.

Form factor and layout

There are different types of cleaners:

• floor-standing - powerful, suitable for large spaces;
• wall-mounted - save space, well suited for bedrooms;
• tabletop - compact, used locally.

Before purchasing, consider where the device will be located and whether there is enough space for its normal operation.

Smart Home Compatibility

If you already use other smart devices, check if it is possible to integrate the purifier into the overall ecosystem.

How to Minimize Dust and Allergens in Your Home

There are a number of effective measures that can reduce the concentration of harmful substances in the room naturally.

Regular wet cleaning

One of the main ways to combat dust and allergens is to carry out regular cleaning using wet cleaning. Here are some useful recommendations:

1. Minimize the frequency of dust. Most often, a vacuum cleaner is used for dry cleaning, but this only temporarily moves particles into the air. Therefore, it is preferable to regularly carry out wet cleaning using microfiber or special fabrics that retain the smallest elements
2. Dust covers for surfaces. It is better to cover stretch ceilings, furniture and decorative elements with antistatic agents or treat them with specialized products that reduce static electricity and prevent dust accumulation.
3. Cleaning products. Choose hypoallergenic and neutral detergents without fragrances and aggressive chemicals to avoid irritating the respiratory tract.

Air humidity control

High humidity creates optimal conditions for the development of house dust mites, mold and fungal infections. The optimal relative humidity in a living space is about 40-60%. Constantly monitor humidity levels using measuring devices.

Opening windows daily helps to stabilize the indoor microclimate, reduces the concentration of allergens and improves air quality.

Removing carpets and soft toys

These items actively accumulate dust, microparticles of animal skin, hair and other potential allergens.

1. Replace soft coverings. Instead of shaggy carpets, lay linoleum, parquet or laminate. Rugs, blankets and rugs should be washed weekly at high temperatures.
2. Avoid excessive decorative elements. Soft toys, candles, souvenirs and figurines are the main sources of accumulation of dust and mite organisms.
3. Mattresses and pillows with anti-allergy covers. Use thick fabric covers that protect bedding from dust mites and feathers.

An air purifier is not just a modern gadget, but an important tool for maintaining the health and well-being of the entire family. It is especially relevant for people with allergies, asthma, children and elderly relatives. If necessary, you can also use the services of professional cleaning companies offering comprehensive cleaning and ozonation of the premises.