My Indoor Air Audit: VOCs, Humidity, Dust—And the Simple Habits That Made It Better

I didn’t start out planning to “audit” the air inside my home. Honestly, I thought I was doing okay. I opened windows sometimes. I vacuumed often enough. We don’t smoke. We don’t burn weird candles. But then my youngest, who was about 14 months old at the time, started waking up congested most mornings. Nothing serious—no fever, no cold—but enough that his nose was always stuffy.

At first, I chalked it up to teething, or maybe the dry winter air. But after a while, it clicked: something in our home environment might be contributing. And once you start pulling on that thread, it’s hard to stop. So I got curious, read a lot, bought an air quality monitor, and ran what I now jokingly call an “indoor air audit.” I was half-expecting to find nothing.

What I discovered wasn’t alarming—but it was illuminating. There were things in our air I couldn’t see, feel, or smell. And with two little ones—my oldest just starting kindergarten and my toddler still licking the furniture—I realized I didn’t need perfect air, just better air.

What Are We Actually Breathing Indoors?

Before I dive into the audit, here’s some helpful context: indoor air quality isn’t just about smoke or mold. It's about everything floating around in your home’s environment. That includes:

• VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from cleaning products, paint, furniture, and fragrances
• Particulate matter (dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores)
• Humidity levels that impact air freshness and mold risk
• Carbon dioxide buildup, especially in closed rooms overnight
• Synthetic materials and flame retardants releasing gases over time

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air—and in some cases, even more, depending on ventilation and sources.

That hit me. We spend so much time inside—especially kids. So I figured it was time to learn how to clean our air, not just our floors.

Gathering Clues (and an Air Quality Monitor)

I started by buying a simple air quality monitor. I didn’t go for the fanciest one—just something that could read basic VOCs, PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), CO2, temperature, and humidity. I put it in our living room first, then moved it around every few days to different rooms.

Here’s what surprised me most:

• VOC levels spiked in the kitchen after cleaning or cooking
• Humidity dropped to below 30% in winter, especially near vents and windows
• CO2 levels climbed noticeably overnight in our bedrooms (especially when doors were closed)
• PM2.5 was higher than expected after vacuuming without a HEPA filter

Nothing was catastrophic—but everything felt... off balance. The readings helped me connect symptoms (stuffy nose, dry throat, general fatigue) to actual indoor triggers. And just like that, I had real data to work with—not guesses.

VOCs: Sneaky Gases in Everyday Products

VOCs are invisible gases released from certain solids or liquids, and they're found in way more places than I realized—paint, furniture glue, floor finishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, candles, even kids’ toys.

The biggest culprits in our house? Cleaning sprays, anything scented, and markers left uncapped (courtesy of my 5-year-old’s art sessions). I also learned that new furniture—even the pretty wooden stuff—can off-gas for months.

So I made a few small shifts:

• Swapped out our multipurpose cleaner for a vinegar-based version or castile soap mix
• Limited plug-in air fresheners (and moved toward essential oil-based sprays or none at all)
• Chose low- or no-VOC paint when touching up rooms
• Let new furniture air out in the garage or outside for a few days before bringing it in

I didn’t toss everything overnight, but I became more selective. And over a few weeks, our baseline VOC levels noticeably dropped on the monitor—especially in the kids’ bedrooms, where I focused first.

Humidity: The Unsung Hero (or Villain) of Indoor Air

This one surprised me the most. I assumed we had “dry winter air,” like everyone talks about—but I didn’t know how much that affected our breathing and comfort.

Too low humidity (under 30%) can:

• Dry out mucous membranes (making noses stuffy and throats scratchy)
• Irritate skin, especially for babies
• Make viruses and allergens float more easily

Too high humidity (over 60%) can:

• Promote mold and mildew
• Attract dust mites
• Make rooms feel musty or heavy

Our house ranged from 28% in winter to 65% in the summer—way too wide. So I started experimenting.

What helped most:

• Using a cool-mist humidifier in the kids’ rooms during dry months (and cleaning it regularly)
• Turning on the bathroom fan for 20–30 minutes after showers
• Opening windows strategically to let moisture out in summer
• Cooking with lids to reduce moisture and using the range hood fan, even for quick meals

According to the Mayo Clinic, indoor humidity levels between 30% and 60% are ideal for comfort, respiratory health, and preventing mold.

After a month, our numbers started staying more stable. And bonus: fewer static shocks and dry skin, too.

Dust and Particles: The Visible—and Not-So-Visible—Stuff

We all know dust is a thing, especially with kids who love rolling on the floor and spreading crumbs like it’s their job. But what I didn’t realize was how fine some of that dust is—and how much gets stirred up by cleaning itself.

Our monitor spiked every time I vacuumed or shook out blankets. That was my cue: it wasn’t about cleaning less—it was about cleaning smarter.

Here’s what made a difference:

• Upgrading to a HEPA filter vacuum (not the fanciest one, just one that actually traps small particles)
• Dusting with a damp cloth instead of dry rags, which spread dust
• Washing bedding weekly in hot water (especially in the kids’ rooms)
• Removing shoes at the door (I was skeptical, but it does cut down on dust and outdoor particles)

We also cut down on plush clutter—extra pillows, stuffed animals on the floor—so I had fewer things collecting dust. I’m not a minimalist, but I became more strategic.

Bedrooms and Breathing: What Helped Us Sleep Better

This part hit close to home because my kids sleep a lot—and so much of their day starts and ends in one room. Bedrooms, especially with closed doors, can become little oxygen-depleted, CO2-heavy bubbles. And our monitor confirmed that.

What helped:

• Cracking the window just a bit when the weather allowed
• Keeping bedroom doors slightly open overnight to improve air circulation
• Running a small air purifier with a HEPA filter (not loud, but consistent)
• Using organic or Oeko-Tex-certified bedding that doesn’t release VOCs

Even small changes—like airing out rooms in the morning while making beds—made the rooms feel fresher and less “stuffy.” And I noticed my toddler’s congestion started clearing up, slowly but noticeably.

Kitchen Air: Surprisingly Tricky

I assumed the kitchen would be one of the cleanest places in terms of air quality—it’s where we cook and feed our kids! But it turns out cooking (especially with gas) releases particles, steam, and even carbon monoxide in small amounts.

Our VOC and PM2.5 readings were highest during and after dinner. Here’s what helped:

• Running the range hood every time I cooked, even for quick meals
• Opening a window during high-heat cooking or baking
• Wiping down burner grates and the oven regularly to reduce smoke and residue
• Avoiding aerosol sprays near food prep areas

Even something as small as toasting bread could spike particles if the toaster had crumbs inside (which, let’s be honest, it usually did).

“Clean” Smells vs. Clean Air

This was a big mindset shift for me. I grew up associating “clean” with smells—pine, lemon, lavender, fresh laundry. But most of those smells come from synthetic fragrance, which often contains undisclosed chemicals, some of which are VOCs.

I had to relearn what “clean” should smell like: not much at all. Or maybe just... fresh air. The scent of real lemon. Soap. Linen dried in sunlight.

That meant:

• Swapping out fragrance-heavy products
• Choosing unscented laundry detergent or using wool dryer balls with essential oils
• Ventilating during and after cleaning days

It took a minute to get used to, but now when I walk into a room that smells neutral, I don’t think “bland”—I think “safe.”

Fresh Takeaways

• Crack a window every day, even for five minutes, to circulate stale indoor air and lower CO2 levels.
• Use your range hood or vent fan when cooking—even for quick meals—to reduce particles and VOCs.
• Dust with intention: Damp cloths, HEPA vacuums, and regular bedding changes go further than fancy gadgets.
• Choose “low-scent” on purpose: Opt for fragrance-free or essential oil–based cleaners to reduce synthetic VOCs.
• Track humidity, not just temperature: A small humidifier or dehumidifier can make a big difference in how your home feels—and how well you breathe.

A Breath of Fresh Intention

Doing an “indoor air audit” wasn’t about creating a perfect home. I still burn the occasional birthday candle. My kids still spill snacks under the couch. But now, I’m more aware of the air we all share—and I have tools that help me make little shifts that add up to a healthier, comfier space.

I learned that air quality isn’t just a tech issue or a city problem. It’s a family wellness issue. And we can support it with simple habits, thoughtful products, and a little curiosity.

So if you’re thinking about cleaner air but feeling overwhelmed—start small. One room. One swap. One open window. You don’t have to “fix” the air. Just give it a little more attention, and a little more room to breathe.