In a recent blog we looked at the 5 key health issues to be aware of when it comes to noise pollution. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), around 20% of the EU population (over 100 million people) is exposed to noise levels that are harmful to their health. In many cities, this percentage can reach 50% of the urban population. Luckily, there are things you can do to stop the noise from disturbing the peace and comfort of your place.
In this blog we will look at 5 effective ways to handle noise in your home.
1. Soundproofing materials
The first step to reducing noise in your home is identifying areas that can be soundproofed. You can use materials like curtains, carpets, acoustic panels, pillows, and even plants to absorb sound and minimize noise transmission. These materials work by absorbing, damping, or blocking sound waves, which helps create a quieter environment by reducing sound transmission through walls, floors, and ceilings.
Tip: Consider adding more plants to your space for natural soundproofing. Not only do they look great, but their leaves and stems help absorb and diffuse sound waves, contributing to a quieter home environment.
2. Regular maintenance
Routine maintenance helps prevent unwanted noise in your home. Lubricating hinges, locks, and tracks regularly can prevent squeaking and ensure smooth operation. Maintaining moving parts in appliances like washing machines, dryers, and HVAC systems can reduce operational noise. Tightening screws and bolts in furniture can prevent creaks and rattles. Regular servicing of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems keeps them running quietly and efficiently, ensuring proper and quiet functioning of various home components.
Tip: Keep a small bottle of oil or lubricant handy to quickly fix squeaky hinges and locks. A few drops every couple of months can work wonders in keeping your doors and windows opening smoothly and quietly.
3. Choose quieter appliances
When choosing new appliances, it’s important to do your homework to ensure they operate quietly. Explore a range of reviews from different sources, consult with salespeople about noise levels, and watch YouTube videos to get a sense of how others experience the noise in the appliance of your interest. By thoroughly researching your options, you can make a more informed decision and enjoy a quieter home.
Tip: Visit the Quiet Mark website to find appliances that have been tested and certified for low noise. This can help you choose products that are approved for their quiet operation.
4. Quiet zones
Designate certain areas of your home as quiet zones where noise is minimal. These zones provide a distraction-free environment ideal for work, studying, or reading, boosting concentration and productivity. Creating and maintaining quiet zones at home can significantly improve quality of life by providing spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation, ultimately contributing to physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Tip: Mindfully choose a room with a closed door, away from road noise, to create your quiet zone for the best environment to focus and relax.
5. White Noise Machine & Noise-Canceling Headphones
The last step to handling noise at home, consider white noise machines to mask disruptive sounds with a steady background noise, creating a calming environment. For immediate noise relief, noise-canceling headphones can help by mitigating surrounding sounds, improving focus and productivity.
Tip: Try out white noise videos on YouTube before buying a machine. They can give you a sense of how different background sounds might work for masking unwanted noise and creating a more peaceful environment at home.
Noise pollution is a serious issue affecting many people. However, you can mitigate its impact at home by employing soundproofing materials, white noise machines, regular maintenance of appliances, designating quiet areas, and using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your quality of life, improve focus, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Extra tip: To reduce the repetitive noise caused by zippers in your washing machine, try using laundry bags. These bags help protect your clothes and minimize annoying clattering sounds, from zippers, during the wash cycle.