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As seen in Cookie Magazine.

Q. How do I "clean up" the air inside my house?

A. When we think about a clean home, we fixate on the floors, countertops, bathrooms, and linens, while we take for granted the very air that we breathe—air that can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA.

Indoor air pollutants come from many sources. Synthetic air fresheners, conventional cleaning products, paints, electronics, carpets, and furniture all can release nasty elements like volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), formaldehyde, and phthalates. And don't forget those tiny inhaled particles of lead dust, allergens, bacteria, and mold. All these can have significant short- and long-term health effects; asthma, the rates of which have doubled since 1985, afflicts 10 percent of American children and is the number-one cause of absenteeism from school.

The good news: You don't have to hold your breath. Print out this A-to-Z guide to healthy indoor air and breathe freely!

Avoid pesticides. Find safer solutions at Beyond Pesticides.

Buy natural personal care products (avoid those with fragrance listed in the ingredients). Visit Cosmetics Database to find the healthiest options.

Clean without chemicals. Find homemade recipes and safer, nontoxic products at Healthy Child.

Dust often. Use a damp rag or a microfiber cloth to dust windowsills and door jambs (particularly if your house was built before 1978) and televisions and other electronics, which can release toxic flame retardants.

Eliminate wall-to-wall carpeting, if at all possible, and use washable rugs. Carpets are virtual magnets for allergens and other contaminants. Forgo fragrances and artificial air fresheners. Some just cover odors and others actually numb your nose so you can't smell the offending smell.

Forgo fragrances and artificial air fresheners. Some just cover odors and others actually numb your nose so you can't smell the offending smell.

Grow plants, which act as natural air purifiers. The most effective ones, based on studies by NASA scientists, include heartleaf philodendron, elephant ear philodendron, English ivy, spider plant, Warneck dracaena, weeping fig, golden pothos, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, and bamboo or reed palm.

Hang dry-cleaned clothes outside or in a well-ventilated area before bringing them inside.

Install a carbon-monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that can cause flu-like symptoms, respiratory problems, and even death. Learn more at the EPA's website.

Just say no to pressed woods and particleboard. These types of wood are often glued together using formaldehyde resins.

Keep your ducts clean. Annually (especially before any season that requires you to keep your home closed up), hire someone to come in and vacuum out your ductwork. Go to the National Air Ducts Cleaners Association to find a certified professional in your area.

Leave shoes at the door. Lead dust, pesticides, gasoline, and more can be tracked inside on the bottom of your shoes.

Maintain a healthy level of humidity. Aim for levels of 30 to 50 percent, using a moisture detector, known as a hygrometer. Air that's too humid promotes mold growth. Air that's too dry makes you more susceptible to illness.

Neutralize odors with white vinegar. Put four parts water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle. Use it in trash cans, the refrigerator, or other areas with odors. Vinegar will naturally deodorize, and within a few minutes, the vinegar smell will dissipate as well.

Open windows to let polluted air out and fresh air in. Even just a few minutes a day can noticeably improve your indoor air—no matter what season.

Paint using low- or no-VOC options.

Quit smoking. At the very least, take it outside.

Repair leaky plumbing to avoid mold growth.

Sprinkle baking soda on rugs and carpets before vacuuming to naturally absorb odors.

Test for radon. Radon is another invisible, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Learn how to protect your family.

Use an exhaust fan (or open a window) when bathing and cooking to keep humidity levels down.

Vacuum at least twice a week with a HEPA-filter vacuum.

Wash new clothes, bedding, and drapes twice before using. Textiles are often "finished" with toxic chemicals (like permanent softeners, water repellants, stain guards, and much more). This residue can volatilize (or evaporate) into your air.

eXamine combustion appliances annually. Gas stoves, heaters, and other appliances that burn fuel should be checked regularly by a professional to ensure they are burning correctly and not releasing too many contaminants into your air.

Your nose knows. Those unmistakable smells that make you woozy, like a "new-rug smell" or anything perfume-y, is likely to be chemicals off-gassing (or evaporating) into your air. Avoid products with these distinctive odors, open the windows, or let it off-gas outdoors.

Zzzzzz. Sleep peacefully knowing your whole family is breathing easier.

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