As the heat continues to bear down, most people find themselves retreating indoors to beat the heat. But what most people don’t realize is that air quality indoors can be just as bad as it is outdoors. If your HOA community has indoor hallways, staircases and common areas, it’s important that you take a few easy steps to reduce indoor pollution.

  1. Trap It! The first thing you should do is place large, commercial grade entry mats by all exterior doors. Good floor mats trap most dirt and other pollutants before they get inside. We even recommend placing these mats just inside the door to grab what the exterior mat missed!
  2. Vacuum it up! All floors should be cleaned at least twice a week with a high suction vacuum featuring rotating brushes and a HEPA filter. And don’t speed vacuum, slow and steady passes over high traffic areas will remove more allergens and pollutants than a quick pass. Make sure you regularly empty the canister or bag and wash or replace the HEPA filter.
  3. Mop it away! If your community has uncarpeted floors, make sure you mop in addition to vacuuming. No matter how good your vacuum is, there’s always dirt, pollen, and other pollutants that linger. A damp mop with a microfiber head is the best way to remove the smallest pollutants.
  4. Dehumidify! Pollutants like dust mites and mold love moisture, so keep the humidity around 30 to 50% to prevent moisture-loving pollutants from taking over.
  5. Ban smoking! By banning smoking indoors, and within 25 feet of all doors and windows, you eliminate the risk of second hand smoke indoors. If your community has smokers, consider offering them a smoker-friendly zone away from others.
  6. Check for Radon! Radon is a dangerous gas that any home or building can have regardless of age. It has been linked to lung cancer and since it can affect any home it is important to check for it.
  7. Fresh air! Open windows during cool morning or evening hours, or after a summer storm cools things down. Fresh air is one the best ways to rid your home of pollutants that linger in the air even after you’ve done your best to clean. Just be sure to check your local air quality. If your area has an air quality alert, don’t open your windows until it has improved.

By implementing these ideas, your HOA board can eliminate most indoor pollution and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve done your due diligence for residents. This is especially true when outdoor air quality is bad and at-risk populations, like the very young or old, are in danger. These simple HOA property management tips can improve living conditions and the desirability of your community! What’s not to love?!