How to Improve Air Quality in Your Apartment (Without Breaking the Bank)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is often 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air pollution. Many apartments have limited ventilation, which traps indoor air pollutants like mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and harmful chemicals from cleaning products, paint stripping, or gas appliances.

Studies have linked poor indoor air quality to an increased risk of respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers over time, especially for older adults and those with preexisting health conditions. The good news is that it doesn’t take a major renovation or expensive equipment to improve air quality in your apartment. Small, affordable steps can make a big difference in creating clean air and protecting your health.

Indoor air quality can quickly drop in apartments due to everyday activities and materials found inside. Many indoor sources—like gas appliances, household products, and building materials—release pollutants that get trapped without proper airflow.

Cooking fumes, tob

acco smoke, and even air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can affect breathing and trigger health problems over time. When airflow is limited, these pollutants can accumulate and contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Common Indoor Pollutants to Watch For:

• Dust: Made up of skin cells, dirt, and fibers from fabrics.

• Pet dander: Tiny flakes of skin from cats, dogs, or other furry animals.

• Mold: Grows in damp areas and can release mold spores into the air.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Found in paint, cleaning products, and air fresheners.

• Smoke: From tobacco, candles, or even cooking.

• Cooking fumes: Grease and smoke from frying or roasting food.

Apartments often share walls, air ducts, and even plumbing systems with other units. These shared spaces make it easier for air pollutants to move between apartments, especially if a neighbor smokes or uses strong cleaning products.

Older buildings may have outdated HVAC systems that don't filter air well or lack outdoor air intakes to bring in fresh air. Limited ventilation also means that dangerous gases like carbon monoxide or other pollutants from gas appliances and home heating systems can linger longer, especially in the winter months.

You don’t need a huge budget or major renovation to improve indoor air quality. Simple, consistent changes can reduce indoor air pollution and help you breathe easier at home.

Opening windows and doors, even for a few minutes a day, can greatly improve airflow and help flush out polluted air. Letting in outdoor air helps reduce indoor air pollutants like VOCs and carbon monoxide. In the winter months, a small opening still makes a difference—just close windows after 10–15 minutes to save on heating.

Portable air cleaners with a true HEPA filter can remove small particles like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. Choose a purifier based on the size of your space, and place it in rooms you use the most—like your bedroom or living area. Keep it running for several hours a day or overnight for the best results.

Carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture trap dust, pet dander, and other pollutants. Vacuum once or twice a week using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture small particles that worsen air quality. Wipe down surfaces with non-toxic cleaning products to avoid adding harmful chemicals to the air.

Dirty air filters make your HVAC system or portable units less effective and push dirty air back into your space. In most apartments, you can replace these filters yourself every 1–3 months. If your unit has a reusable filter, rinse it with warm water and let it dry completely before putting it back in.

Dirty air filters make your HVAC system or portable units less effective and push dirty air back into your space. In most apartments, you can replace these filters yourself every 1–3 months. If your unit has a reusable filter, rinse it with warm water and let it dry completely before putting it back in.

Keeping humidity levels between 30% and 50% helps prevent mold growth and dust mites, both of which are common indoor air pollutants. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like bathrooms or kitchens and a humidifier during dry winter months. Many smart devices now allow you to track and adjust humidity easily.

Cooking, especially frying or roasting, can release fine particles and gases that affect indoor air quality. Always use the kitchen exhaust fan if you have one, or crack open a window while cooking to improve airflow and remove pollutants from the kitchen.

Some everyday habits and products may seem harmless but add harmful chemicals and pollutants to your indoor air. Avoiding these common triggers can help improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks.

Spray air fresheners may smell pleasant, but they often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that worsen indoor air pollution. Aerosol sprays and synthetic scents release small particles into the air that can irritate the lungs, especially for people with asthma or allergies. These products mask odors and may release VOCs and other chemicals that contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Many household cleaning products are packed with strong chemicals and artificial fragrances that reduce indoor air quality. Bleach-based sprays, ammonia, and certain disinfectants release fumes that linger in limited ventilation. Choose fragrance-free, eco-friendly cleaners made with natural ingredients to avoid adding indoor air pollutants to your space.

Paraffin candles may release soot and fine particles that contribute to poor indoor air quality, especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms. If you love the cozy feel of candles, go for beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks and no added fragrances. They burn cleaner and are less likely to affect your air quality.

Some simple additions to your apartment can go a long way in fighting indoor air pollutants. These small upgrades are affordable, effective, and help create a healthier living space.

Some plants like snake plants, spider plants, and pothos may absorb small amounts of indoor air pollutants, but their impact on overall indoor air quality is likely minimal. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for apartments, but it’s important not to overwater them. Mold growth in damp soil can make indoor air worse, so check your plants regularly and keep them in well-ventilated areas.

An air quality monitor can help you track levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), VOCs, carbon dioxide, and humidity in real-time. These small devices are affordable and give you a better idea of how polluted air in your apartment may be affecting your health. With this data, you can make smarter choices about when to open windows or run air purifiers.

Scented plug-ins and artificial diffusers often emit VOCs and other indoor air pollutants. Switch to natural diffusers that use essential oils and water. These options offer gentle aromatherapy without introducing harmful chemicals into the air. Keep usage light to avoid overpowering the space.

Ceiling fans are great for improving air flow in apartments with limited natural ventilation. They help circulate air throughout the space, preventing polluted air from settling. Running fans with open windows or while using air purifiers can make your indoor environment feel fresher and cleaner.

Improving indoor air quality isn’t just your job. Landlords and property managers can also help address bigger issues that affect the whole building.

If your apartment has poor ventilation, musty smells, or an outdated HVAC system, bring it up with your landlord. Ask about having filters replaced, ducts cleaned, or the HVAC system inspected. You can also request better outdoor air intakes or upgrades to existing systems to reduce air pollutants and improve airflow.

Keep records if you notice signs of mold, mildew, or polluted air from shared vents. Take photos, write down when issues occur, and note any health effects like headaches or breathing problems. Sharing this information with building management gives you more support when requesting repairs or improvements.

Some air quality tricks are so simple that they’re often overlooked. These extra steps can quietly help reduce indoor air pollutants and support a cleaner, healthier living space.

Shoes track in dirt, pollen, pesticides, and bacteria from high-traffic areas and outdoor sources. Leaving them at the door keeps these pollutants from spreading onto floors and into the air, especially if you have carpets or rugs.

Trash can produce odors and attract pests, contributing to a less sanitary indoor environment. Use sealed bins and take out garbage often to avoid bad odors and reduce the chance of indoor air quality problems.

Placing a doormat outside and inside your front door helps trap dust, pet dander, and small particles before entering your apartment. It’s a simple way to cut down on pollutants that come from outdoor air and dirty shoes.

Improving indoor air quality in an apartment doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. The best strategies include using a HEPA air cleaner, improving airflow with fresh air and fans, cleaning with non-toxic products, and avoiding indoor air pollutants from common sources like air fresheners and candles.

Even simple steps—like cracking a window or replacing air filters—can lead to cleaner air and better health. Taking small steps to improve air quality may support a healthier and more comfortable living space.