5 Simple Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Because your home should be a place where breathing feels easy

Breathe easily, feel better

We often think of air pollution as something that happens outdoors — traffic, exhaust fumes, city smog. But in reality, the air inside our homes can be just as important for our health and wellbeing. Everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and even breathing affect indoor air quality more than we might realise.

The good news? Improving indoor air doesn’t require expensive equipment or major renovations. Small, thoughtful habits can make a real difference.

1. Let Fresh Air Do Its Work

Opening windows may sound almost too simple, but ventilation is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. Everyday activities—cooking, showering, cleaning, even breathing—release moisture and particles into the air, and without regular air exchange these quickly build up indoors.

In homes without mechanical ventilation, short and purposeful airing is especially important. Opening windows fully for 5–10 minutes allows stale air to be replaced efficiently, particularly if you can create cross-ventilation. This works far better than keeping a window slightly open all day and helps avoid unnecessary heat loss during colder months.

In homes with mechanical ventilation, regular window airing is not always necessary, as fresh air is already being supplied continuously. In these cases, the most important thing is to keep the system running as intended and ensure filters are cleaned or replaced regularly. Mechanical ventilation quietly does much of the work in the background, but it only works well when it is properly maintained.

Whether your home relies on natural or mechanical ventilation, the goal is the same: consistent air exchange that keeps moisture, pollutants, and stale air from building up indoors.

2. A Note on Mechanical Ventilation

In many newer homes, especially in Finland, indoor air quality is supported by mechanical ventilation systems, often with heat recovery. These systems are designed to continuously replace indoor air with fresh outdoor air while maintaining energy efficiency.

To work properly, they need a little attention:

• Keep the system running continuously rather than switching it off

• Change or clean filters regularly

• Make sure air can circulate freely between rooms

Mechanical ventilation does much of the invisible work in a modern home, but it works best when supported by everyday habits like airing rooms and managing moisture. (We’ll take a closer look at different ventilation systems and how they work in a separate post.)

3. Choose Cleaning Products Thoughtfully

That “clean” smell isn’t always a good sign. Many cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that linger in indoor air.

Whenever possible:

• Choose fragrance-free or low-VOC products

• Use simple ingredients like mild soap or vinegar

• Avoid air fresheners that mask smells instead of removing them

A neutral-smelling home is often a healthier one.

4. Keep Humidity in Balance

Indoor humidity ideally stays between 30–50%. Too much moisture can encourage mould and dust mites; too little can dry out skin and airways.

Good ventilation, fixing leaks promptly, and using a dehumidifier when needed all help maintain a healthy balance.

5. Enjoy Plants — Just Don’t Expect Miracles

Houseplants are wonderful for creating a calm, pleasant atmosphere and can slightly improve humidity levels. While they don’t “clean the air” in a technical sense, they absolutely contribute to how a space feels.

Think of them as companions to good ventilation rather than a replacement for it.

In Summary

Improving indoor air quality isn’t about perfection. It’s about small, consistent choices: letting fresh air in, maintaining ventilation systems, being mindful of what we bring into our homes, and creating spaces that support everyday wellbeing.

Your lungs — and your future self — will thank you.