Breathe Clean: Take the Toxins Out of Your Indoor Air

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Clean air is essential—not just outdoors but inside your home as well. It’s where you spend most of your time, whether you’re sleeping, cooking, relaxing, or working remotely. Yet, many homeowners overlook the quality of the air they breathe indoors. Poor indoor air quality can affect your health, mood, and even the longevity of your home’s interior.

Over the past few years, I've been on a mission to really "clean" my indoor air (how do you clean air??), removing harsh chemicals and strong scents, and while it's still a work in progress, I'm here to share some tips that you can implement into your home.

Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts your health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that indoor air pollution levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Contaminants such as dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products can build up over time.

Poor IAQ can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. It can also cause dry skin, irritated eyes, headaches, and fatigue. For families with young children, seniors, or individuals with chronic illnesses, clean air becomes even more vital.

The good news? By making a few strategic changes, you can create a healthier living environment and breathe easier at home. Let's start here:

First, FAQs

1. What are the main pollutants found in indoor air?

Indoor air can contain pollutants like dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, VOCs, tobacco smoke, and harmful gases like carbon monoxide and radon. Humidity levels can also make a difference, as excessive moisture fosters mold and mildew growth.

2. How can I tell if my indoor air quality is poor?

Signs of poor air quality include lingering odors, visible mold growth, high dust accumulation, or increased frequency of allergies, headaches, and respiratory issues among household members.

3. How can I improve indoor air quality immediately?

Quick fixes include improving ventilation by opening windows, using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, regularly vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and reducing the use of strong-smelling cleaning chemicals.

4. Are there specific health symptoms tied to poor IAQ?

Yes, symptoms like coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, throat irritation, dizziness, and fatigue might indicate IAQ issues. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

5. How often should I check my indoor air quality?

Testing your indoor air quality annually, or anytime you experience unexplained health symptoms or lingering odors, is recommended. Affordable air quality monitors like this one are also readily available for regular monitoring.

1. Understand HVAC Filters and How Often They Need to Be Changed

Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system plays a significant role in air quality. The filters they use trap dust, allergens, and other contaminants before they can circulate through your home. However, if not replaced regularly, they can stop functioning effectively and even release trapped particles back into the air. Trust me; I've seen some really disgusting HVAC filters during home inspections!

Types of HVAC Filters:

• Fiberglass Filters (Cheap but basic)

• Pleated Filters (Better filtration, higher airflow resistance)

• HEPA Filters (High-efficiency filtration for maximum air purification)

• Electrostatic Filters (Reusable but require frequent cleaning)

  
  

How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Filter?

Most HVAC experts recommend replacing filters every 1–3 months, but some can be changed every 6 months. However, if you have pets, live in an urban area with high air pollution, or experience allergies, you may need to replace them every month. Investing in high-quality filters is well worth it for better health and system longevity. Always check with your HVAC service technician on the best changing schedule.

Pro tip: Write the replacement date on the filter when you install a new one, so you never forget when it’s time to switch.

2. Ditch the Toxic Cleaning Products

Many common cleaning products can negatively impact indoor air quality due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals. When these products are used, they can release fumes that contribute to indoor air pollution, and the chemical residues left behind can linger in the air and on surfaces, continuously affecting air quality even after the cleaning is done. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory distress.

Instead, opt for non-toxic, "clean" cleaning products, and ditch anything with a strong, artificial scent. With the help of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), I've done lots of research and tried out a bunch of products, and here are the cleaners I like best:

3. Invest in Air Purifiers

   
   

If your HVAC system isn’t doing enough or your home faces high levels of pollutants, investing in an air purifier can help. Because I live in Los Angeles right now and the smog here is totally commonplace, I have three air purifiers: one in each bedroom, and one in our living area.

Here are two highly rated air purifiers on Amazon right now to give your indoor air an instant upgrade.

1. LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier (I own three of these)

• Why It’s Awesome: Equipped with a True HEPA filter, this purifier captures 99.97% of pollutants, including dust, smoke, and pet dander. It also operates quietly, making it perfect for bedrooms.

• Price: ~$79

• Customer Rating: 4.7/5 stars with over 120,000 reviews - WOW!

• Link: View product here

  
  

2. Coway Airmega Air Purifier  

• Why It’s Awesome: This powerhouse purifier has a 4-stage filtration system, including a HEPA filter and a deodorization filter to fight odors. It even has an eco-mode to conserve energy.

• Price: ~$168

• Customer Rating: 4.7/5 stars with over 26,000 reviews (!!)

• Link: View product here  

4. Fill Your Space with Indoor Houseplants to Naturally Filter Air

Houseplants not only refresh your space but also act as natural air purifiers. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain plants can filter toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

Here are three of the best options to consider adding to your home:

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)  

• Why It’s Great: Known as the “bedroom plant,” the snake plant releases oxygen at night, improving air quality as you sleep. It also filters formaldehyde and benzene.

• Care Level: Low maintenance; thrives in low light and requires minimal watering.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)  

• Why It’s Great: Peace lilies are excellent at removing VOCs and thrive indoors with low sunlight. Plus, they add a touch of elegance with their glossy leaves and white blooms.

• Care Level: Moderate; prefers indirect sunlight and consistent watering.

3. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)  

• Why It’s Great: This tropical plant not only improves air quality but also acts as a natural humidifier, reducing dryness in the air.

• Care Level: Moderate; requires bright, indirect sunlight and regular watering.

Place one (or a mix of) these plants in your living areas to enjoy cleaner air and a greener aesthetic.

Take Charge of Your Indoor Air Quality Today

Keeping your home’s air clean is essential for your health and well-being. By following these tips—changing your HVAC filters regularly, investing in trusted air purification systems, and adding air-filtering plants to your space—you’ll transform your home into a sanctuary of fresh, healthy air.

Don’t wait to make these changes—your lungs (and your family!) will thank you for it. Breathe easy and take action today!