Back to Resources
Clean Air Hub

Room-by-Room Air Quality Checklist

Comprehensive guide to improving air quality in every room

How to Use This Checklist

Go room by room through your home. Check off items as you address them. Focus on pollution sources first, then ventilation, then consider air purifier placement. Schedule maintenance tasks in your calendar.

Bedroom

Pollution Sources to Address

  • Dust mites in bedding and mattress
  • Off-gassing from mattress/pillows
  • Pet dander (if pets sleep here)
  • Mold in window condensation
  • VOCs from furniture/carpet

Ventilation Checks

  • Open windows for 15+ mins daily
  • Ensure gap under door for airflow
  • Check window seals for drafts/mold
  • Consider trickle vents if sealed

Air Purifier Placement

  • Place 1-2m from bed, not blocked
  • Airflow should reach sleeping area
  • Ensure <30dB for sleep quality
  • Run on high 1hr before sleep, low overnight

Maintenance Tasks

  • Wash bedding weekly at 60°C
  • Vacuum mattress monthly
  • Replace pillows every 1-2 years
  • Check/replace purifier filter per schedule

Living Room

Pollution Sources to Address

  • Dust from soft furnishings
  • Pet hair and dander
  • VOCs from electronics/TV
  • Fireplace/wood burner emissions
  • Candles and air fresheners

Ventilation Checks

  • Cross-ventilate when weather permits
  • Clean air vents/grilles regularly
  • Ensure radiators not blocked
  • Check for draughts around windows

Air Purifier Placement

  • Central location, not in corner
  • Away from curtains/furniture
  • Consider multiple units if open plan
  • Near seating area for maximum benefit

Maintenance Tasks

  • Vacuum upholstery weekly
  • Dust electronics and surfaces
  • Clean curtains/blinds quarterly
  • Avoid synthetic air fresheners

Kitchen

Pollution Sources to Address

  • Cooking emissions (PM2.5, NO2)
  • Gas hob combustion products
  • Food odors and smoke
  • Cleaning product VOCs
  • Mold near sink/dishwasher

Ventilation Checks

  • Always use extractor when cooking
  • Open window while cooking
  • Clean extractor filters monthly
  • Check extractor vents outside

Air Purifier Placement

  • Not too close to cooking area
  • Away from steam and grease
  • Carbon filter helpful for odors
  • Run during and 30min after cooking

Maintenance Tasks

  • Clean extractor hood and filters
  • Check under sink for leaks/mold
  • Empty bins regularly
  • Wipe down surfaces daily

Bathroom

Pollution Sources to Address

  • Mold and mildew spores
  • High humidity
  • Cleaning product chemicals
  • Personal care product VOCs
  • Toilet aerosols

Ventilation Checks

  • Run extractor during/after shower
  • Open window after bathing
  • Check extractor fan works properly
  • Leave door open when not in use

Air Purifier Placement

  • Not recommended due to humidity
  • Focus on ventilation instead
  • Use in adjacent hallway if needed
  • Dehumidifier may be more effective

Maintenance Tasks

  • Clean tile grout regularly
  • Check sealant around bath/shower
  • Wash shower curtain monthly
  • Fix any leaks immediately

Home Office

Pollution Sources to Address

  • Printer/copier emissions
  • Off-gassing from new furniture
  • Computer/electronics dust
  • Stale air if poorly ventilated
  • VOCs from office supplies

Ventilation Checks

  • Open window regularly
  • Take breaks outside
  • Ensure HVAC vents not blocked
  • Consider CO2 monitor for focus

Air Purifier Placement

  • Near desk but not blowing on you
  • Away from computer equipment
  • Run continuously during work hours
  • Consider noise level for calls

Maintenance Tasks

  • Dust electronics weekly
  • Clean keyboard and mouse
  • Vacuum under desk monthly
  • Add plants for natural air quality

Nursery/Child's Room

Pollution Sources to Address

  • New furniture off-gassing
  • Carpet VOCs
  • Toy and plastic emissions
  • Nappy disposal odors
  • Stuffed toy dust mites

Ventilation Checks

  • Air out new items before use
  • Open windows daily (safely)
  • Avoid near busy roads
  • Good air circulation essential

Air Purifier Placement

  • Not within baby's reach
  • Quiet model essential (<25dB)
  • No ionizers (ozone risk)
  • Run continuously on low

Maintenance Tasks

  • Wash soft toys regularly
  • Vacuum floor and soft furnishings
  • Check for mold in hidden areas
  • Use fragrance-free products only

Whole-Home Tips

  • • Monitor outdoor AQI before opening windows
  • • Keep humidity between 40-60%
  • • Remove shoes at the door
  • • Use doormats inside and outside
  • • Service boiler/heating annually
  • • Check carbon monoxide detectors
  • • Avoid VOC-emitting products
  • • Consider a whole-home air quality monitor

cleanair.app

Calculate your ACH needs: cleanair.app/calculator

© 2026 Clean Air Hub. Free to print and share.