8 Holiday Hosting Hacks for Better Air Quality

Fast, easy ways to refresh your home for holiday guests.

Hosting during the holidays is a joy, but welcoming your guests into a stuffy house isn’t. Keep your home cozy and inviting all season long with these easy tips to improve indoor air quality.

Replace old HVAC filters

If you’re dealing with stale indoor air, it may be time to replace your HVAC filter. Clogged filters can restrict airflow causing your HVAC system to work harder, so aim to change these at least every three months.

Open a window

Despite the cold, don’t hesitate to open a window or door to get fresh air flowing in, even if it’s just for a minute. A quick burst of brisk winter air can instantly refresh your space (and lift your spirits!).

Ventilate when cooking

To ensure your guests are greeted by appetizing smells — not grease or gas fumes — keep the range hood exhaust fan running while you cook. Switch it on as soon as you fire up the oven or stove, not just when things get smoky.

Set a cleaning schedule

Dust, dirt and pet dander can build up quickly when you’re hunkered down at home. Sticking to a frequent cleaning schedule makes it easy to freshen things up fast when guests drop by on short notice.

Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture at least once a week to remove allergens, ideally with a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Use natural, non-toxic products to sanitize surfaces like tables, countertops and windows.

Wash linens and decor

Sure, you wash your clothing and bedding regularly, but what about throw blankets, tablecloths and shower curtains? These items can harbor musty smells and bacteria, too — especially if they’ve been stored away since the last holiday season. Give them a good wash before setting them out for guests.

Banish odors with baking soda

To refresh carpets, couches and other items that can’t be tossed in the washing machine, use baking soda for a quick fix. While air fresheners merely mask odors (and often contain harmful VOCs), baking soda removes odors by absorbing them. Sprinkle a little onto the surface, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up — along with any stale smells.

Skip scented candles

Candles may seem like a perfect way to set the holiday mood, but the soot and other toxins they release can compromise your home’s air quality. Instead, try one of these all-natural ways to fill your home with festive fragrance:
 

• Make stovetop potpourri. Simmer a mix of your favorite fruits, herbs and spices (like orange, cinnamon and clove) in a pot of water. It won’t be long before your house smells like a winter wonderland.
• Set up essential oil diffuser sticks to scent your space around the clock. Pick a holiday aroma like peppermint.

Run a humidifier

With the thermostat cranked up on chilly days, indoor air can get dry. Use a humidifier to maintain comfortable moisture levels and keep your space cozy all season. However, be sure to fill your humidifier with purified water rather than tap water. Humidifiers using water that is not distilled or purified can release a fine dust (hard water minerals such as calcium particles) into the air. Using purified water helps ensure cleaner air and more efficient humidifier performance.