Germs are everywhere; in the water we drink, in the air we breathe and in the environment in which we exist. However, we do not have to allow these germs to interfere with our health and make us sick. If you are wondering how to get rid of germs in the air, then here are some of the best natural remedies, along with a few great products, such as the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Purifier, that can help you do this.
How do germs exist in your homes and your air?
Different types of germs exist in this world; some more harmful and some less harmful than others. Even the lifespan of these germs is different, where some live only for 24 hours and some can be alive for weeks.
Germs are present everywhere, and they exist at a microscopic level. While it is easier to get rid of the germs on your floors by using disinfectant, cleaners, and sprays, getting rid of germs in the air can be a little more complicated.
How long do airborne germs last
Depending upon the environment in which the airborne germs or viruses are in, they can last anywhere from between a few hours, to even a couple of days. Cold viruses and germs can last for almost seven days in an indoor environment, where the air might be moisture laden and quite cool. However, flu viruses or germs do not last more than 24 hours. Typically, these germs can survive in the air for only about 2 to 3 hours.
While the airborne germs can last for a few hours, their infectious nature tends to decrease over time, making contamination still a risk, but less likely.
How far can airborne germs travel
Typically, airborne germs travel through air droplets which carry moisture in them. This is why sneezes and coughs can transfer germs in the air. Airborne germs can travel about 6 feet in the air from the point of transmission. However, most airborne germs do not travel more than 3 feet, where they finally settle on some object.
If the ejected airborne germs are not due to coughing or sneezing, then they do not travel very far into the air. This is because there is no push propelling the air droplets.
Get rid of germs in the air with a Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan salt lamps (link to Amazon) contain natural salt crystal and are becoming increasingly popular in many households. These natural salt crystals, when heated up, have several benefits. Not only do they emit a warm, soft light, but they also help create an atmosphere of peace and serenity. These salt crystals also naturally clear the air in your home from allergens, germs, pollen, and dander.
How to remove germs from the air with proper humidity control
Just like any other living creature on the Earth, germs also require moisture, food, and air to survive. Germs usually thrive in areas with high humidity. You can control this excess humidity at home by ensuring your bathrooms, kitchens, and basements always have proper ventilation. You can do this by:
- Installing exhaust fans
- Creating ventilation by opening windows or doors
- Installing dehumidifiers
Reduce germs in the air with cleaning
While vacuuming and dusting might be an easy solution to keeping your carpets and floors clean, this also causes a lot of bacteria, viruses, and germs to become airborne. Instead of using these methods to clean your homes, you can opt for using a water method. This means that you should wipe down your home, including your furniture, your floors, and other items at home by using a wet cloth, soapy water, and some disinfectant. This way, the particles are caught in the water and the cloth and can be easily washed away down the drain, instead of spreading it all over the house.
Get rid of germs in the air using UV lights
There are special germicidal UV lights which are very effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and germs directly off the area where the light is shining. When used over a certain period of time, the count of viruses, germs, and bacteria decreases substantially. They also reduce the chance of mold spores spreading around the house as well as decreasing the chance of allergies being provoked. The UV lights can be used anywhere in your home, making it cleaner, and germ-free for you and your family.
What are HEPA filters and how do they get rid of germs in the air?
HEPA filters are a special type of mechanical air filters used to purify the air around you. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. This technology can trap 99,97% of the particles from the air. In order to be trapped the particles must be bigger than 0,3 microns. This applies to dust, pollen, chemicals, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. Because of the ability to trap a different kind of germs, these purifiers create a clean sanitary environment in your home.
HEPA air purifiers are built with very fine fiber (mesh) materials that are folded back and forth creating an accordion form. This construction of the fibers traps the germs from the air. The capacity of these filters to clean the air depends on the quantity of air that goes through the filters in a given period of time. After a certain period of using the filters, you will have to change them. They get filled up with the airborne particles that get trapped in between the filter fibers. You should change them every 2 to 4 years, but it depends on the purifier, filters as well as the air that circulates.
HEPA air purifiers are the most effective solution against airborne particles such as viruses, bacterias, mold spores, and other germs. The downside is that they do not remove, odors or gases unless the purifier contains activated carbon, which is capable of absorbing the odors and gases. If you want to learn more about air purifiers and which kind you need to buy for your needs visit our blog post here.
What are the best HEPA Air Purifiers?
While most of these home remedies might help up to a point, sometimes, you might need a special tool to really purify your air. Here is our pick of the top 3 air purifiers with HEPA filters which can help remove all kinds of allergens from the air of your home, letting you breathe in fresh, pure and clean air.
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact Air Purifier with HEPA Filter
image source: hamiltonbeach.com
Product Description
An ultra-quiet, ultra- efficient and ultra-sleek model, the Hamilton Beach air purifier can help remove allergens from the air of your home at the best budget for you.
Features
- HEPA filter
- 120 V product
- 3 different speed settings for different air purification needs
- Can be used for large rooms up to 160 square feet
- 5.74 pounds
- Captures air particles as small as 3 microns
Pros
- Can be used horizontally or vertically, depending on your storage space and needs
- A permanent HEPA filter, so the cost of replacing HEPA filter periodically is eliminated
- Improves health on patients with asthma
- Simple controller
Cons
- Can emit an audible noise when it is on the highest setting
However, this problem has a very easy fix. You can put on the highest setting when you are not at home, or not present in the room. It will clean the air of your home efficiently, and you can change it to a medium or low setting when you need some extra quiet. But never the less this is a very quiet working unit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0CyX3IQ6Ro
Conclusion
Great product at a low cost. Maintenance is low with the permanent HEPA filter as well. Click here to check the current price on Amazon.
Honeywell True HEPA Air Purifier with Allergen Remover
image source: yourhome.honeywell.com
Product description
If you have bigger rooms to cover then Honeywell is the solution for you. Equipped with advanced technologies at a reasonable price, the Honeywell air purifier will help you against sneezing, allergies or simply dust pollution in your own home.
Features
- Can be used for rooms as large as 465 square feet
- 4 different settings
- Auto shut off technology
- 21 pounds
Pros
- You can set it up to work efficiently as per your requirements
- Relatively noise-free model
- The auto shut off technology will help you save energy
Cons
- The highest setting can produce a noise which is not pleasant; however, this setting is also very powerful. If you have an issue with the noise, you can turn on the highest setting when you are not at home and let the machine work its magic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQyA8OLAdxk
Conclusion
With some very advanced modes like turbo mode and allergen mode, the Honeywell air purifier is definitely worth the buy! Click here to check the current price on Amazon.
GermGuardian AC4825 3-in-1 Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter
image source: guardiantechnologies.com
Product Description
An advanced air purifier with a HEPA filter capturing germs as small as 0,3 microns, GermGuardian really lives up to its name to guard your home from germs! Equipped with UV-C light technology helps killing airborne bacteria, viruses, germs, and mold spores.
Features
- 22-inch tower design
- 3-speed settings
- 6-foot cord length
- A filter change indicator
- UV modes
- 7 pounds
Pros
- A UV-C light which captures even the smallest, remaining airborne particles
- An activated carbon filter emitting odors, VOC’s and extending filter life
- An indicator light when it’s time to change the filter
- The filter lasts up to 8 months
Cons
- The UV light can be disturbing for some customers during nights.
However, you can simply turn off the UV light during nights and turn it back on when you are not present in the room to not be disturbed by it!
Conclusion
A small machine with so many advanced features, if you are looking to buy the GermGuardian. Click here to check the current price on Amazon.
