Cutting Indoor Air Pollution in Your Pacific Northwest Home

Indoor air pollution has gotten complicated with all the products, systems, and conflicting advice flying around. As someone who’s helped Northwest homeowners improve their indoor air for years, I learned everything there is to know about what actually makes a difference. Today, I will share it all with you.

Northwest homes face a specific challenge: we seal things tight to keep heat in during long, rainy winters. That efficiency comes with a trade-off—pollutants accumulate when air doesn’t circulate. Dust, mold, chemicals, and allergens build up in ways they wouldn’t in leakier construction. The solutions need to account for this reality.

Get Fresh Air Moving

Ventilation is the simplest fix. Open windows when weather allows—those crisp, dry days are opportunities to flush stale air. Run exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove humidity, cooking smoke, and odors. Probably should have led with this section, honestly—fresh air dilutes most indoor pollutants better than anything else.

Air Purifiers Where They Matter

HEPA filters capture dust, pollen, and pet dander down to 0.3 microns. Place purifiers in rooms where you spend the most time—bedrooms and living areas especially. Match the purifier size to the room; undersized units just waste electricity. That’s what makes proper sizing endearing to us air quality enthusiasts—it’s the difference between clean air and expensive noise.

Houseplants Help (A Little)

Spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies absorb some toxins. They also look nice and add humidity. But be realistic—you’d need a greenhouse to match what a decent air purifier does. Think of plants as a supplement, not a solution.

Keep Humidity in Check

Northwest moisture breeds mold. Keep indoor humidity between 30-50%—dehumidifiers help in damp areas. Fix leaks promptly. Ensure drainage around your foundation keeps water away from the house. Mold prevention starts with moisture control.

Clean Consistently

Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum removes dust mites and allergens before they go airborne. Wash bedding and curtains that trap particles. Dust settles on every surface—regular cleaning reduces what gets kicked back into the air you breathe.

Switch to Cleaner Products

Many cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that irritate airways. Vinegar and baking soda handle most cleaning jobs without the chemical load. Look for low-VOC or VOC-free labels when buying commercial products.

Keep Smoke Outside

Secondhand smoke contains hundreds of toxins. If someone in your household smokes, make it an outdoor activity. No indoor smoking area, however well-ventilated, truly protects non-smokers from exposure.

Manage Pet Contributions

Pets add dander and track in dirt. Regular bathing and grooming reduces what ends up in your air. Keep litter boxes clean and in ventilated spots. Pet ownership doesn’t require bad air quality—it just requires maintenance.

Skip the Synthetic Scents

Scented candles, air fresheners, and incense release chemicals that contribute to indoor pollution. The irony of “air fresheners” making air worse isn’t lost on air quality folks. Beeswax candles and essential oil diffusers offer safer alternatives if you want your home to smell nice.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system moves all the air in your home. Change filters every one to three months depending on usage. Consider an air exchange unit that introduces fresh air while retaining heating or cooling. Clean ducts reduce recirculating dust.

Avoid Indoor Pesticides

Chemical pesticides introduce pollutants you then breathe. Seal cracks, remove food sources, use traps—natural pest control works without contaminating your air. If chemical treatment becomes necessary, use the least toxic options available.

Rethink Your Floors

Carpets trap pollutants and allergens that release when disturbed. Hard flooring like wood or tile is easier to clean and holds fewer contaminants. If carpet is necessary, choose low-pile options and clean them frequently.

Vent Gas Appliances Properly

Gas stoves, furnaces, and water heaters produce carbon monoxide and other pollutants. Proper venting sends these outside instead of into your living space. Install carbon monoxide detectors. Regular maintenance catches problems before they become dangerous.

Choose Building Materials Carefully

Paints, adhesives, and flooring can off-gas VOCs for months or years after installation. When renovating, select low-VOC options certified by reputable environmental organizations. The extra cost pays off in cleaner air for the life of your home.

Improving indoor air quality requires attention to multiple sources and consistent habits. No single change fixes everything, but the combination transforms your home environment. Your lungs will notice the difference.