A healthier living room
Your living room should be somewhere you can switch off and feel comfortable. A few simple choices can help reduce unnecessary chemical exposure and improve the air you breathe, without changing the way your home looks or feels.
The living room is where many of us spend a big chunk of our time at home. Sofas, rugs, curtains, cleaning products and home fragrance can all contribute to the mix of chemicals and particles in indoor air and household dust. That doesn’t mean your living room needs an overhaul. A few sensible choices — particularly around ventilation, dust and the products you use regularly — can help reduce unnecessary exposure.
Main exposure sources
- Sofas & soft furnishings Some contain flame retardants or stain-resistant treatments that can migrate into household dust.
- Dust Dust can collect chemicals and tiny particles shed from furnishings and everyday products.
- Candles & home fragrance Scented candles, diffusers and air fresheners can release fragrance chemicals and VOCs into indoor air.
- Cleaning products Sprays, polishes and fragranced cleaners can add VOCs and fragrance chemicals to indoor air.
- Rugs & carpets Synthetic materials, backings and stain-resistant treatments can be sources of VOCs and other chemicals.
The three biggest improvements
Start here — these give you the most benefit for the least effort.
Ventilate regularly
Opening windows, even for a short time, can help reduce pollutants that build up indoors.
Keep on top of dust
Vacuum regularly and use a damp cloth for surfaces to remove dust rather than simply moving it around.
Cut back on unnecessary fragrance
Use fewer air fresheners, diffusers and heavily scented products — particularly those you use every day.
Quick swaps at a glance
Open a window when you can rather than routinely using air fresheners.
If you love candles, choose unscented options and use them occasionally.
When yours needs replacing, look for effective filtration and a well-sealed design.
When buying new furniture or rugs, consider options without added stain-resistant treatments.
