Smog Season at Home: 10 Ways to Keep Indoor Air Cleaner (Even Without a Purifier)

Every November, a large part of north India wakes up to a grey sky and a burning feeling in the throat. The instinct is to shut every window and stay in. That helps a bit, but outdoor pollution still leaks in, and we create plenty of our own indoors: cooking smoke, agarbatti, mosquito coils, dust.

An air purifier is the most effective single fix, and we’ve reviewed one in detail (more below). But even with a purifier, or if you don’t have one, these habits make a real difference.

1. Check the AQI before you open windows

Don’t guess. The Central Pollution Control Board publishes live readings from monitoring stations across India; you can find them through the CPCB website or the government’s Sameer app. Look at the station nearest to you, not the city average.

2. Ventilate at the right time of day

Homes still need fresh air, or moisture, cooking fumes and carbon dioxide build up. In winter, pollution usually gets trapped close to the ground at night and early morning, and often eases a little in the afternoon when the sun warms things up. If you’re going to air out the house, the afternoon window is usually better than 7 a.m. Ten to fifteen minutes with cross-ventilation is enough; then close up again.

3. Run the kitchen chimney or exhaust every time you cook

Tadka and frying release a lot of fine particles. Switch the chimney on before you start and leave it running a few minutes after. If the suction feels weak, the filter is probably clogged. Here’s how to clean a chimney filter at home.

The World Health Organization notes that household air pollution from cooking is a major health risk worldwide, mostly from solid fuels. LPG and electric cooking are far cleaner, but frying at high heat still produces smoke worth venting.

4. Cut back on incense, dhoop and coils during peak weeks

This one is uncomfortable because agarbatti is part of daily pooja for many families. But burning incense and mosquito coils in a closed room adds smoke right where you breathe. During the worst weeks, try lighting a diya instead, or keep incense brief and near an open window. Swap coils for a plug-in liquid vaporiser or mosquito nets.

5. Wet-mop instead of sweeping

A jhadu throws fine dust back into the air. A damp mop picks it up. Same for surfaces: a slightly damp microfibre cloth is better than a dry duster. If you use a vacuum, one with a HEPA filter is best.

6. Seal the obvious gaps

Old windows and balcony doors often have visible gaps. Self-adhesive foam weather strips are cheap and easy to fit. They also keep the house warmer in winter, which saves on heating.

7. Don’t add new fumes during the worst days

Fresh paint, varnish, strong cleaning sprays and room fresheners all release chemicals indoors. If you’re planning to paint, a less polluted month is a better time. If you must do it now, our paint guide has ventilation tips.

8. Make one room the “clean room”

If you have a single purifier, don’t carry it from room to room. Put it in the bedroom, keep that door shut, and run it for an hour before bedtime. You spend a third of the day sleeping, so that’s where clean air gives you the most benefit. Kids and elderly family members should get that room first.

9. Use masks properly when you go out

Cloth and surgical masks don’t do much against fine particles. A well-fitting N95 or equivalent respirator does, as long as it seals around the nose and chin. Take it off once you’re indoors, and don’t reuse it for weeks.

10. Don’t over-rely on houseplants

You’ll see claims that a few snake plants will “purify” your room. Plants are lovely and good for the mood, but you’d need an unrealistic number of them to match even a small purifier. Keep them for decor (we included a few in our budget Diwali decor ideas), not as your pollution plan.

What about the gas geyser and heaters?

Gas geysers, angithis and coal or wood heaters inside a closed room can produce carbon monoxide, which you can’t smell or see. Never use them in a room without ventilation. Our winter geyser guide explains the safe setup in more detail.

When a purifier makes sense

If you live in Delhi NCR or another city where the AQI stays “poor” or worse for weeks, or if someone at home has asthma or other breathing problems, a purifier sized for your room is worth it. Look at the CADR (clean air delivery rate) against your room size, and check what replacement filters cost before you buy. For a detailed look at one model, read our Cuckoo Respure air purifier review.

This article is general home advice, not medical advice. If anyone at home has persistent breathlessness, chest tightness or worsening asthma, please see a doctor.