Smog and dust are very harmful to human health. During wildfires in Calgary, tiny particles settle in apartments and houses. We will share tips on how to keep your home clean and protect your health and the health of your loved ones.
Calgary is one of the bustling metropolitan hubs located in the heart of the beautiful province of Alberta in Calgary. The city sometimes faces environmental adversities such as smog and wildfires. Alberta's varied landscape and fluctuating climatic conditions enhance these challenges. Smog, an extremely complex mixture of a wide range of pollutants like nitrogen oxides, VOCs, and fine PM, can enter buildings through a variety of apertures like windows, doors, and ventilation systems. Not only does this seriously deteriorate indoor air quality, but it also leads to serious health risks, from respiratory problems to cardiovascular diseases.
Over the past years, Alberta has encountered horrible wildfires that have covered Calgary with thick smoke and ashes. According to this NASA wildfire map, these wildfires were among the most terrible, interacting with air quality and requiring detailed cleaning to minimize health risks due to left-back residues of smoke.
Smog, typically associated with urban areas, is formed during the reaction of sunlight with pollutants that are mainly from vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and space heating. In Calgary, the mix of industrial activity with vehicle emissions can yield localized smog episodes, particularly during temperature inversions when pollutants become trapped near the ground.
The situation is quite different in the case of wildfires. Wildfires in Alberta can be both naturally caused, such as by lightning, and human-activity-caused, like campfires gone wrong. With gushing sweeps, the fires scan across forested areas and blanket the atmosphere in thick smoke. The smoke contains fine inhalable particles known as PM2.5, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and other hazardous substances that can easily infiltrate indoors and be health-detrimental to the people living inside.
After exposure to smog and wildfires, it's crucial to follow a thorough cleaning regimen to eliminate lingering contaminants and ensure a healthy indoor environment. Begin by enhancing ventilation and utilizing HEPA-filter vacuums for effective particle removal. Next, focus on deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and high-touch surfaces with non-toxic cleaners. Don't forget to launder fabrics in hot water with added vinegar to neutralize smoke odors. Finally, employ natural odor absorbers and commercial products to freshen up your home.
Proper ventilation is needed to remove smog and wildfire smoke, but just after the episode of exposure. Open windows and doors when outdoor air quality improves. HEPA-filter-based air purifiers could trap fine particles very nicely. Consider installing exhaust fans in the kitchen and bath to remove the indoor pollutants at their source.
Dust and wipe down using microfiber cloths that have gone through water or a little mild cleaning solution. This includes other areas that are high-touch and need attention, for example, countertops, tables, and electronics that have residues from the smoke. Ensure safety with the use of non-toxic cleaners, especially in homes that have children and pets.
Vacuum carpets and rugs as well as upholstery with vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters. These will help capture the fine particle sand allergens embedded in their fibers. Some may recommend steam cleaning of carpets to release deeper-seated smoke odors and residues. Not only does it sanitize, but it can also very effectively lift off dirt and pollutants.
Wash clothes, linen, curtains, and machine-washable upholstery in hot water using detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to kill smoke smells. If particularly bad, odors like these might be best air-dried outside in full sun conditions, as UV can start to break down odor-causing compounds.
The smallest smog particles penetrate even deep into furniture.
Run classes regularly to keep smoke particles from being recirculated throughout your home via the HVAC system. It is essential to thoroughly clean sofas and armchairs after exposure to smog pollution to remove embedded particles and ensure a healthy indoor environment. Consider hiring a professional duct cleaning service to remove the accumulation of debris and contaminants. Clean vents and registers to optimize the flow of air for better indoor air quality.
Place natural odor absorbers—baking soda or activated charcoal—in strategic locations in bowls. These substances can then gradually absorb residual smells of smoke. Otherwise, commercial products on eliminating smoke odors can freshen up your indoor air.
Should there be a scenario of smog and wildfires in Calgary, you want to ensure satisfaction is restored to the cleanliness of your home. Our team at Lumina Life specializes in post-disaster cleaning with advanced techniques and eco-friendly cleaning products to effectively get rid of smoke residues and make your indoor environment livable and healthy to breathe in. From meticulous carpet cleaning to complete HVAC system maintenance, Lumina Life has got you covered when it comes to cleaning tasks that worry about your health.
Properly cleaning a home after a bout of smog and wildfires can be very instrumental in restoring air quality and safeguarding the health of your loved ones at home. Call on Lumina Life as your cleaning partner in Calgary, providing clients with specialized cleaning services designed for safety from environmental pollutants. Call us today to get more information on how we can help you maintain your home in a clean, safe, and comfortable living style.
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