Simple Ways to Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
When we hear the term’ air quality,’ we usually think of outdoor pollution, bumper-to-bumper traffic, or factories releasing clouds of smoke.
But the air inside our homes matters just as much as the air outside.
Pet dander, dust mites, formaldehyde, excess moisture, and even everyday cleaning products can affect the air we breathe. The good news? Improving your home’s air quality doesn’t require a major renovation. A few thoughtful habits can make a real difference.
Here are some simple ways to breathe new life into your home:
Unwelcome Mat
Stop dirt and irritants before they enter your home.
Place doormats at every entrance and consider a no-shoes policy. We’re a no-shoes house shoes stay on the mat. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce allergens and indoor pollutants from outdoor sources.
Green Clean
Switch to cleaners made with natural ingredients, such as lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda.
But I’ll be honest, I do miss those “clean” scents sometimes. So instead of artificial fragrances, here are a few natural ways I bring a fresh scent into our home:
I like adding a few drops of lavender essential oil inside the cardboard center of a toilet paper roll. Each time you pull the paper, it gently releases a light, clean scent into the room. It’s simple, subtle, and chemical-free.
Fresh eucalyptus from Trader Joe’s is another favorite. I place bunches in vases around the house and hang some by the stems in the shower. The steam naturally releases the oils, making the bathroom feel like a spa.
Free the Fur
Brush pets outside whenever possible and wash their beds regularly to control hair and dander.
Open the Windows
When our twins were born six weeks early in January, the doctors told us:
“For their health, each day wrap them up, turn off the heat, and open all the windows for at least 10 minutes to ventilate the home.”
I don’t do that daily anymore, but I do regularly air out the house, even in the winter, especially after cooking. And don’t forget to turn on your exhaust fans.
Fresh air still works wonders.
Humid House
Monitor your humidity levels to prevent mold and mildew growth. A simple humidity monitor is inexpensive and worth it.
Radon Test
I always advise my buyers to test for radon during their home inspection. I’ve sold many homes where elevated radon levels were a complete surprise to the sellers. If levels are high, we ask the seller to install a mitigation system.
Radon should be tested every five years. You can pick up a test kit at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Do the Ducts
Have your air ducts professionally cleaned every few years to prevent irritants from circulating throughout your home.
Eco-Friendly Paint Options
We just repainted our basement with Behr Dynasty paint in Swiss Coffee.
Here’s why I liked it:
Stain Repellent – Helps minimize stain penetration.
Scuff Resistant – Durable enough for high-traffic areas.
Fast Drying – Tack-free within four hours.
One-Coat Hide – Guaranteed coverage in over 1,000 colors.
GREENGUARD® GOLD Certified – Low chemical emissions for healthier indoor air quality.
More low-VOC paint options:
Sherwin-Williams – SuperPaint with Air-Purifying Technology
Clare – GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Benjamin Moore – Eco Spec
Behr – Premium Plus Line
Backdrop
Paint is something we live with every day; it’s worth choosing wisely.
We spend so much time focusing on how our homes look, but nothing matters more than the air we breathe inside them.
A few small changes can turn your home into a true breath of fresh air.