How to Improve Air Quality in NW Apartments

Indoor air quality in Northwest apartments has gotten complicated with all the dampness, mold concerns, and limited ventilation renters deal with. As someone who’s lived in multiple PNW apartments and figured out what actually works, I learned everything there is to know about breathing better in rental units. Today, I will share it all with you.

Get the Air Moving

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Good ventilation reduces moisture and pushes indoor pollutants out. Open windows when weather allows. Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to clear steam and cooking smells. If you’re serious about it, an HRV (heat recovery ventilation) system swaps stale air for fresh continuously without wasting heat.

Plants Do Help

Certain houseplants filter air naturally. NASA’s Clean Air Study confirmed that some plants remove toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. Good choices include:

• Spider Plant
• English Ivy
• Peace Lily
• Bamboo Palm

Air Purifiers Are Worth It

HEPA filter purifiers trap dust, pollen, and pet dander. Models with activated carbon also reduce odors and VOCs. Put them in your living room and bedroom — places you spend the most time.

Cleaning Matters More Than You’d Think

Dust and allergens pile up on every surface. Vacuum with a HEPA-filter machine and don’t skip under furniture. Wash bedding in hot water weekly to kill dust mites. Wipe surfaces with damp cloths instead of dry dusters that just scatter particles.

Mold Prevention Is Essential

That’s what makes air quality endearing to us PNW apartment dwellers — mold is always lurking. Keep humidity between 30-50% with a dehumidifier. Fix leaks immediately. Ventilate after showers and cooking. Watch bathroom tiles and under sinks for growth. Mold-resistant paint in prone areas helps.

Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaners

Conventional cleaning products off-gas harmful VOCs. Look for biodegradable or natural alternatives. Or make your own — vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice handle most jobs without polluting your air.

Ditch the Synthetic Fragrances

Air fresheners, scented candles, fragrant cleaners — they release VOCs. Essential oils work as natural alternatives. Simmer herbs and citrus on the stove if you want your place to smell good without the chemical load.

No Smoking Inside

Smoking indoors releases a mess of contaminants that stick around. Make your apartment smoke-free, period. Have guests smoke outside. Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces also degrade air quality if you have them.

Test for Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground. You can’t see or smell it, but it causes lung cancer over time. Grab a radon detection kit from a hardware store. If levels are high, talk to your landlord about mitigation.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

Change HVAC filters regularly. Have air ducts cleaned when needed. Check windows and doors for drafts that let unfiltered outside air seep in.

Cook Smarter

Gas stoves release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide. Always run the exhaust fan while cooking. Electric stoves are cleaner if you’re upgrading. Keep cookware clean so leftover residue doesn’t smoke up your kitchen.

Watch the Outside Air

Don’t open windows when outdoor air quality is bad. Wildfire season and high-pollen days make outside air worse than inside. Use apps or websites to check local air quality before airing out your place.

Choose Low-VOC Everything

Paints, varnishes, new furniture — go for low-VOC or zero-VOC options. These products emit fewer chemicals over time. Let new furniture off-gas in a ventilated space before bringing it fully into your apartment.

Control Allergens

Groom pets regularly to reduce dander. Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. Minimize clutter that collects dust. If allergies are serious, swap carpet for hard flooring when possible.

Monitor Your Air

Indoor air quality monitors show you what’s actually happening — pollutant levels, humidity, temperature. Real-time data helps you know when to open windows, run the purifier, or adjust the dehumidifier. Knowledge beats guessing.