It is easy for pollutants to penetrate the air in your home, potentially causing immediate problems for individuals with breathing difficulties (such as those with asthma) and future issues for those who live in your home. Follow these simple tips to eliminate air pollutants in your home:

4 Ways to Keep the Air in Your Home Clean

1. Update Your Cleaning Equipment

A strong vacuum cleaner is an effective tool for reducing pollutants in your home. Look for a model that includes a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, powerful suction and multiple attachments. Use the vacuum on the floors, walls, and upholstered furniture a couple of times a week. Don't forget to wash and replace the filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Replace your old mop with a model that permits wet and dry mopping. Dry mopping with a microfiber cloth is an excellent way to remove any leftover particles without the use of commercial cleaners. Microfiber is extremely effective at attracting dust and dirt from your floors. When it is time to wet mop, just outfit your mop with a microfiber pad intended for use with water.

2. Forbid Smoking Inside Your Home

If anyone in your family smokes or if visitors are smokers, see that any smoking occurs outside of your home in an area not frequented by children or other sensitive individuals. Cigarette smoke can release several dangerous chemicals into the air. Secondhand smoke is associated with a multitude of health concerns, including asthma, cancer, SIDS, and respiratory infections.

3. Let Fresh Air in Regularly

When outside air quality permits, open your windows and doors on a regular basis to ventilate your home. Retractable screen doors are a great addition that improves the ventilation of your home, while keeping bugs and debris outside. This type of door is available for both single and double exterior doors.

4. Create Optimal Humidity Levels in Your Home

Work to create humidity levels that fall between 30 and 50 percent inside your home. Air with this level of moisture helps prevent the growth of pollutants that thrive in wet conditions, like mold and dust mites. Remove moisture from your home by running an exhaust fan when showering, cooking or using the dishwasher.

See that you promptly fix any leaky plumbing fixtures to avoid mold growth. You can also run a dehumidifier to extract moisture from the air. Keep an eye on your home's humidity levels with a smart thermostat or a humidity monitor.

If you liked these tips, read the following blog posts for more home maintenance advice:

• How Home Insulation Can Save You Energy (and Money) All Winter Long
• Don't Try This at Home: 3 Jobs Better Left to the Experts
• Fall Home Maintenance Checklist