How to Improve the Air Quality of Your Home

By the Bishop Realtor Group

Improving the air quality in your home can make every day feel fresher and brighter. You want your space to feel like a sanctuary, where you can relax and rejuvenate without worrying about the air you’re breathing. Indoor air can sometimes feel stale or heavy, especially if you’re spending more time at home.

The good news is that there are many effective and easy-to-implement strategies you can use to make your indoor air cleaner, lighter, and more refreshing. By paying attention to just a few key details, you’ll notice a meaningful difference in how your space feels.

• Many simple habits and products can help remove pollutants and allergens.
• Plants, cleaning routines, and ventilation all play a role in fresher air.
• Small adjustments often lead to major improvements in how you feel every day.

One of the easiest and most immediate ways to improve the air inside your home is by simply opening your windows. After all, letting in a little outside air every day can help sweep away indoor pollutants and odors. When you open windows on opposite sides of your home, you create cross-ventilation that quickly refreshes stale air and helps balance humidity. The difference can be felt within minutes — the air just feels lighter.

You might not want to keep windows open all day, especially during pollen season or on particularly cold days, but even a short burst of fresh air can do wonders. Try to air out your home for at least ten minutes every morning or evening. If you have a kitchen or bathroom fan, use those to move air out and bring new air in.

• Removes stale air and reduces the buildup of pollutants.
• Balances humidity for a more comfortable space.
• Makes your home feel refreshed and less stuffy.
• Helps reduce the impact of indoor allergens.

Houseplants do more than just add a touch of nature to your home; they can also play a role in filtering and cleaning indoor air. Certain plants are known for their ability to absorb toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which can build up indoors from household products and furnishings.

Plants like the peace lily, snake plant, and pothos are popular choices because they’re easy to care for and offer real benefits. While you won’t replace an air purifier with just a few houseplants, adding greenery throughout your living areas can create a noticeable difference.

Plants also help balance humidity and boost the sense of serenity throughout your home. When you choose several small or medium-sized plants and place them in different rooms, you’ll get both the air-freshening and mood-lifting effects.

• Absorbs some common indoor pollutants.
• Increases indoor humidity naturally.
• Adds life and beauty to your home.

Dust can build up quickly, especially on surfaces you don’t always think to clean, like ceiling fans, vents, and baseboards. Every time you move around, dust particles are stirred up and can end up in the air you breathe. Simple habits like vacuuming the floors with a HEPA filter, using a microfiber cloth on surfaces, and regularly washing the bedding and curtains can make a noticeable difference in indoor air quality.

If you’re especially sensitive to dust or seasonal allergens, you’ll want to pay attention to items that trap particles, such as area rugs, fabric sofas, and even the filters in your heating and cooling system. Replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions and consider investing in allergy-proof pillow and mattress covers.

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter at least once a week.
• Dust surfaces using damp microfiber cloths.
• Wash bedding and curtains regularly.
• Change the air filters in your HVAC system as recommended.

Indoor air that’s too dry or too humid can create problems for both your comfort and your home’s air quality. When the air is too humid, mold and dust mites can thrive. On the other hand, air that is too dry can lead to respiratory discomfort and more dust in the air.

Finding the right balance, typically between 30% and 50% humidity, will help keep your space comfortable and healthy.

If your home tends to be too damp, a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture, especially in areas like basements or bathrooms. Conversely, if the air feels dry, particularly in winter, a humidifier can add just enough moisture to make breathing easier. Many newer devices can be set to your desired humidity and will automatically turn on and off as needed.

• Reduces the growth of mold and dust mites.
• Makes breathing more comfortable.
• Protects wood floors and furniture from drying out.
• Helps keep your skin from becoming too dry.

The products you use to clean your home and freshen the air can actually introduce new pollutants to the space. Many conventional sprays and scented candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can linger in the air. Switching to fragrance-free or naturally scented cleaning products, using baking soda or vinegar for certain chores, and being cautious with aerosol sprays all help limit your exposure.

For air freshening, try simmering herbs or citrus peels on the stove, or open the windows after cooking to clear out odors. Whenever possible, look for cleaning products that have been certified as low in VOCs or are made from plant-based ingredients. You’ll likely find that your home feels just as clean — if not cleaner — without synthetic scents.

• Use fragrance-free or naturally scented cleaners.
• Avoid aerosol sprays and synthetic air fresheners.
• Try natural options like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon.
• Simmer herbs or peels for a gentle, pleasant scent.

For those who want an extra layer of air cleaning, air purifiers can be a valuable addition to your home. Modern air purifiers use HEPA filters to capture fine particles like pollen, pet hair, dust mites, and even some bacteria. Many also include activated carbon filters to remove odors and certain chemicals.

When choosing an air purifier, consider the size of the room and the type of filtration it offers. Place purifiers in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms or living areas, for maximum benefit. Even if you only run them at night, you’ll likely wake up to air that feels crisper and lighter.

• Removing fine particles and allergens from the air.
• Reducing odors from pets, cooking, or smoke.
• Providing peace of mind for sensitive individuals.

Open your windows regularly, use air-purifying houseplants, keep up with dusting and vacuuming, and consider an air purifier for extra cleaning power.

Most HVAC and air purifier filters should be changed every one to three months, depending on use and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Yes, many cleaning products release VOCs and other chemicals. Switching to fragrance-free or natural cleaners helps reduce indoor pollution.

With a few thoughtful habits and mindful product choices, you can transform your space into a place where you truly enjoy every breath. Whether you open your windows more often, bring in some greenery, or upgrade the air filters, you’ll start to notice that the air feels lighter and you feel better each day.

Ready to find your perfect place in Wichita Falls, Texas? Work with the Bishop Realtor Group for personalized, expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, our team is here to answer your questions and make your experience seamless from start to finish.