How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Causes and signs of poor indoor air quality

Many people are unaware of the invisible pollutants that can accumulate in our homes. Poor air quality can negatively impact health and wellness, leading to fatigue, headaches and eye or skin irritation. Common indoor air pollutants include:

• Allergens (such as pollen, pet hair and dust mites).
• Mould spores.
• Bacteria and viruses.
• Chemical compounds (from cleaning products and fragrances).
• Microparticles (generated by cooking, heating or burning candles).

If you frequently experience fatigue or discomfort at home, poor air quality could be the cause. With targeted interventions, you can significantly improve your indoor environment. Dyson air purifiers have integrated sensors that analyse and diagnose airborne pollutants in real time.

How to improve the air quality in your home

Clean indoor air is essential for creating a healthy living space. Here’s how to improve your indoor air quality through prevention and ventilation, using advanced air purification technology.

1. Prevent pollutants from entering

The most effective approach to better indoor air quality is to keep pollutants outside. Fine dust, pollen and other microparticles can enter your home undetected through windows, doors or on clothing. Take these preventative measures to keep them out:

• Seal your windows and doors.
• Remove your shoes and outdoor clothing at the entrance of your home.
• Keep the entrance area clean by vacuuming and wiping surfaces.

2. Ventilate your home daily

Fresh air is essential for maintaining good air quality in your home throughout the year. Ventilate your space for 5 to 10 minutes every morning and evening to release CO₂, moisture and pollutants while introducing oxygen-rich fresh air.

Cross-ventilation creates even more effective air circulation, using opposing windows to establish a passage of fresh air through your home. In winter, short periods of intensive cross-ventilation are more effective than continuous ventilation, as they prevent heat loss while maintaining indoor air quality.

3. Choose natural methods

Scented products and cleaning solutions can introduce pollutants into your home. Candles, air fresheners and incense often release volatile compounds that can irritate the respiratory system.

Many household cleaners contain synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals that can impact indoor air quality. Replace these with natural cleaning solutions such as:

• Vinegar and baking soda for cleaning.
• Lemon juice for natural disinfection and a fresh scent.
• Essential oils for natural fragrance.

4. Vacuum thoroughly and regularly

Dust is more than just an aesthetic concern – it harbours allergens, bacteria and fine particles that can impact indoor air quality. A high-performance vacuum cleaner is essential for effective air quality management.

The Dyson V15™ Detect captures and traps microscopic¹ dust and bacteria, delivering up to 60 minutes of fade-free power to clean your whole home².  The fully sealed filtration system prevents pollutants from being released back into the air, while the LCD screen displays particles picked up for scientific proof of a deep clean. 

Choose the right Dyson vacuum for you.

5. Clean textiles and soft furnishings

Beds, sofas, curtains and carpets can trap and hold pollutants like skin particles, dust mites and allergens. They can quickly accumulate in these textiles and soft furnishings, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly and regularly to stay hygienic.

Wash bedding weekly at 60°C to eliminate dust mites and use specialised upholstery attachments on your vacuum cleaner to remove embedded dust from mattresses. Soft furnishings and carpets should be vacuumed every two weeks to stay clean. Establishing a cleaning schedule can help you regularly refresh your home from top to bottom.

6. Address the sources of pollutants

Cooking generates more than odours in your home – heat and combustion produce smoke and other particles that can affect indoor air quality. Candles and fireplaces also release combustion byproducts.

Eliminate pollutants and excess moisture by ventilating your kitchen for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking. You can also use an extraction hood to capture carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present after cooking.

Natural candles such as beeswax release fewer particles than paraffin alternatives, but rooms should always be ventilated after using candles or fireplaces.

7. Employ advanced air purification technology

Indoor air quality management involves filtering airborne particles with engineered technology. Dyson air purifiers remove 99.95% of microscopic particles,³  with integrated sensors that analyse and diagnose airborne pollutants in real time. 

Air purification technology can be particularly beneficial for those with allergies or living in areas with higher pollution levels. This proactive approach to indoor air quality cleans your air before contaminants can settle on surfaces.

8. Maintain optimal room temperature

While temperature itself doesn’t generate pollutants, it can influence how they spread. Indoor temperatures above 24°C can promote the reproduction of dust mites and reduce humidity levels. At the same time, low indoor temperatures below 16°C increase the risk of condensation, which can lead to mould growth. Recommended temperature ranges include:

• Living spaces and offices: 19-22°C.
• Bedrooms: 16-18°C for optimal sleep.
• Bathrooms: 22-24°C to encourage evaporation.

Discover bladeless Dyson fans and heaters to control the temperature of your home environment.

9. Monitor and control humidity

The optimal indoor humidity range is between 40% and 60%. Excessively dry air can irritate respiratory passages and skin, while high humidity creates an ideal environment for mould and dust mites.

The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde captures dust, allergens and viruses. It even destroys formaldehyde, which can be found in household items. Built-in intelligence addresses dry air by automatically adding moisture, optimising humidity by ejecting an invisible stream of evaporated water. 

10. Incorporate air-purifying plants

Beyond their aesthetic value, certain indoor plants can improve air quality. Not all greenery offers air-purifying benefits, but these plants have measurable effects:

• Snake plants: Filter CO₂ and generate oxygen.
• Sword ferns: Increase humidity and absorb pollutants (such as formaldehyde).
• Spider plants and palms: Extract excess moisture from the air.

Place one suitable plant per 10m² inside your home and regularly dust its leaves to maintain its air-purifying properties.

Experience enhanced living with superior air quality

Achieve improved indoor air quality with these evidence-based measures and by integrating advanced air purification technology into your home. The result is a noticeably healthier, more comfortable environment that you can enjoy spending time in.