As the nights get longer, the air gets crispier, and the sun is a distant, fleeting memory you often come to the dreaded conclusion – winter is here and it is here to stay. The season which is characterized by cold nights, dark days, and a constant numbness can feel like a drag to even the seasoned Canadian. A lethargic mood washes over society and we sometimes let that affect the state of our homes. The air becomes damp, mouldy, and stale pushing us further into our winter blues. However, small actions to areas around your home can have tremendous impact to the cleanliness of your home. Here are 5 tips to freshen your home in the winter!

Buy Plants!

Not only are house plants great aesthetic pieces for your home but the can reduce air pollution in an area! They help produce oxygen and absorb toxic chemicals such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. NASA recommends that home owners who own 15-18 houseplants 6-8 inches in diameter improve air quality in an average 1,800 square foot home.

Use Essential Oils as Air Fresheners

Filling a spray bottle with 8 drops of three different air-freshening essential oils and 1/2 to 1 cup of water creates a beautiful natural scented air freshener to use around the home! Some recommended pairing include: wild orange, sandalwood, and clove essential oils or tea tree, eucalyptus, and lemon essential oils.

Clean your Carpets

Dirty carpets create a dull, musky smell that accumulate through-out the winter by muddy shoes, and lack of proper care. Make sure you vacuum on a regular basis, and wash the carpets with a carpet cleaner once or twice a year. Another tip is to sprinkle baking soda after an initial round of vacuuming, and then vacuuming again after 2 hours. The baking soda absorbs smell and additional micro-particles in the carpet that add to the smell. When your carpets are clean, your air will be cleaner as well!

Change your Filters

During the winter warm air is circulated through-out the entire house through the ventilation system. A key change to making the air in your home cleaner is to change the filters to the furnace and air-conditioning once every season to prevent the growth of mold.

Air-out Home

Everyone loves that one off day in the winter where the sun peeks out for a little longer, and the air is slightly warmer. During these days try to open your windows for a while to naturally ventilate your home and allow natural fresh air to enter the home.

Winter can often bring down the cheeriest of moods – a clean, healthy home can act as a safe haven for you and your family. Keep your home fresh with these 5 tips this winter!