Spring Cleaning Tips That Help You Breathe Better

Spring cleaning usually involves organizing the junk drawer, clearing out the basement from old delivery boxes, and maybe dealing with whatever dust bunnies have settled under your bed.
If your goal is to breathe easier this season, a little strategy can go a long way. You don’t need to bleach the whole house to make your air feel fresher. A few smart swaps and new habits can help clear out dust, allergens, and that dry, stale winter air that’s been hanging around.

🧹 Dust the Places You Never Think About

Baseboards. Top of the fridge. The weird ridge on your ceiling fan. These spots collect dust and then dump it back into the air you’re breathing. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or microfiber duster to trap particles instead of spreading them around.

🌄 Swap Synthetic Sprays for Simpler Solutions

A lot of cleaning products smell “fresh” but actually release VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These can hang around in your air and make it harder to breathe, especially if you have asthma or allergies. Vinegar, baking soda, and fragrance-free cleaners work just as well without the chemical cloud.

🧺 Wash Your Throw Blankets and Curtains

You probably wash your sheets regularly, but what about the blankets on the couch or the curtains trapping pollen by your windows? Textiles collect dust, dander, and allergens. Toss them in the washing machine to freshen up your indoor air and your space.

🧽 Scrub Bathroom Mold the Right Way

Bathrooms are mildew and mold magnets, especially in the corners of your tub and behind shampoo bottles. Mold spores don’t just stay in the bathroom, they can spread further into your home. Use a solution of white vinegar and water to wipe it out without overloading your air with bleach fumes. Keep the fan on while you clean just in case.

For great outdoor air, check out our 2025 guide to cities with the best air quality in the U.S. here.

🧯 Check (and Clean) Your Filters

Air purifiers, HVAC units, range hoods, even vacuum cleaners all have filters. When they’re overloaded with gunk, they blow dirty air right back into your space. Clean or replace them as part of your spring reset. It’s a five-minute chore that can improve your air quality a lot.

🌬️ Let Fresh Air In While You Clean

Open up the windows while you’re dusting, scrubbing and wiping down surfaces. It helps move out airborne particles you kick up, especially from cleaners or old dust. Even just a little airflow can make your space feel fresher while you clean. Even your air needs airing out once in a while!

💡 Spring Cleaning Helps You Live Better

Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your space look good. If you focus on air-friendly habits, your home will feel better – and you’ll breathe better! – too. Less dust, fewer allergens, and cleaner air can make your space lighter in more ways than one.

For 30 highest oxygen producing indoor plants to help you breathe better go here.