When we clean our homes, we focus on the stuff we can see—dust on the shelves, crumbs on the floor, dishes in the sink. But one thing we often overlook is the air we’re breathing every day. Indoor air quality can affect how we feel, especially if we’re spending a lot of time at home. If the air is full of dust, allergens or moisture it can lead to headaches, sneezing or just that heavy, stale feeling.

The good news is, a few regular cleaning habits can keep the air inside your home much healthier.

Dust and Vacuum Like You Mean It

It may seem obvious but regular dusting and vacuuming are your first line of defense. Dust builds up fast and it’s not just harmless fluff. It can contain dead skin, pet dander, fabric fibers and even bits of bugs.

Here are a couple of tips:

• Use a damp microfiber cloth when dusting. It grabs particles instead of just pushing them around.
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible. These filters trap tiny particles like pollen and pet hair so they’re not blowing back into the room.

If you have pets or live in a dusty area you may want to vacuum more than once a week.

What’s Lurking in Your Ducts?

Your heating and cooling system circulates air throughout your home but if your ducts are full of dust and grime that air isn’t exactly clean. That’s why air ducts need cleaning. Over time all kinds of debris can settle in your ductwork. When the system kicks on it can push those particles into the rooms where you eat, sleep and breathe.

Even if the rest of your house is spotless dirty ducts can keep circulating pollutants. If you’ve never had them checked it might be time to call a professional. Most homes benefit from duct cleaning every few years—more often if you have pets or allergies.

Read more about how dirty air ducts affect your health

Stay on Top of Your Air Filters

Your air conditioning or heating system has filters to catch dust and other particles but they only work if they’re clean. A clogged filter doesn’t just lower your air quality—it also makes your system work harder.

Some simple guidelines:

• Check your filter once a month. Replace it every 1–3 months depending on how much your system runs.
• If you have pets or someone with allergies at home consider a filter with a higher MERV rating.

Just make sure your HVAC system is designed to handle a higher rated filter or you could restrict airflow.

Keep Humidity in Check

Too much moisture in the air can lead to mold growth and dust mites. Too little can dry out your skin and irritate your lungs. The sweet spot for indoor humidity is between 30% and 50%.

To manage humidity:

• Use a dehumidifier in damp spaces like basements or bathrooms.
• Run the exhaust fan when you’re cooking or showering.
• If your home is very dry in the winter a humidifier can help—but clean it regularly to prevent mold buildup.

Wash What You Can’t See

Bedding, curtains and upholstered furniture might look clean but they can trap dust and allergens. Washing these items regularly makes a big difference.

Here’s a quick list:

• Wash sheets and pillowcases once a week in hot water.
• Clean or vacuum curtains every few months.
• Don’t forget throw blankets, cushion covers and pet beds.

These items quietly collect all kinds of airborne particles so keeping them clean helps keep the air cleaner too.

Skip the Strong Scents

That lemon-scented cleaner or “fresh linen” candle might smell nice but many of these products release VOCs—chemicals that can linger in the air and irritate your lungs.

Instead:

• Try natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.
• Simmer herbs or citrus peels on the stove for a gentle pleasant scent.
• If you use essential oils make sure the room is well-ventilated.

Your house doesn’t need to smell like a perfume counter to feel clean.

Let Some Fresh Air In

It sounds simple but opening a few windows now and then can make a big difference. Ventilation helps clear out indoor pollutants and brings in fresh oxygen.

That said check the weather and air quality first. If pollen or pollution levels are high outside it’s better to keep windows closed and use an air purifier instead.

Take Shoes Off at the Door

One easy way to cut down on indoor pollutants is to stop them at the entrance. Shoes can track in all kinds of stuff—from pesticides on the lawn to bacteria from the street.* Get a small mat or shoe rack near the door to encourage everyone to leave their shoes at the entrance. It’s a small habit that works.

Don’t Ignore Mold

Mold can grow in places you don’t always check—under sinks, around windows or in the corners of the bathroom. It releases spores into the air that can trigger allergies or worse.

If you see mold:

• Clean small areas with white vinegar or a mold cleaner.
• Keep the area dry to prevent it from coming back.
• For bigger problems get a professional involved.

Fixing leaks and keeping damp areas dry is the best way to prevent mold in the first place.

Breathe Easier With Simple, Consistent Habits

Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With regular dusting, clean filters, good ventilation and a few simple habits you can breathe easier at home.

It’s not about making your space perfect—it’s about creating a healthy environment that supports your daily life. When the air in your home feels lighter and cleaner you will too.