How Can I Improve Air Quality In Dorm Room (15 Easy Ways)

Hey there, fellow students! 

Worried about the air, you’re breathing in your campus dorm? 

Whether it’s the musty odor, unpleasant scents, or allergens, don’t worry- there are simple steps you can take to improve the quality of the air you breathe. 

In this article, I’ll be sharing tips on how to improve air quality in your dorm room.

I’ve included some practical techniques that can help you to improve the air quality in your college dwelling, so you can breathe easy and stay healthy.

How Can I Improve Air Quality In Dorm Room 

Improving air quality in a dorm room is essential for better health and well-being.

Here are 16 Easy ways to improve air quality in a dorm room that you can quickly implement.

1. Purify the Air With An Air Purifier:

Dust, allergens, and pollutants can make breathing difficult and cause health problems. An air purifier can help remove these impurities, making the air easier to breathe and reducing the risk of health problems.

2. Keep The Room Clean:

Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help reduce dust and other pollutants. This can also help eliminate odors and create a more pleasant living environment.

3. Crack Open The Windows:

Opening the windows when weather conditions allow can improve ventilation and bring in the fresh air. This can be especially helpful during times when you’re cooking or cleaning.

4. No Smoking Indoors:

Smoking inside can increase the pollutants and toxins in the air, making breathing harder and causing health problems for you and your roommates.

5. Control Humidity Levels With A Dehumidifier:

High humidity levels can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, which can worsen allergies and respiratory issues.

A dehumidifier can help keep humidity levels in check and prevent mold growth.

6. Avoid Scented Products:

Scented products such as air fresheners and candles can release chemicals and toxins into the air, worsening respiratory issues and other health problems.

7. Use Natural Cleaning Alternatives:

Harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia can release toxic fumes into the air, worsening respiratory and other health problems. Natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda can help reduce indoor air pollution.

8. Adopt A No-Shoes Policy:

Avoiding shoes indoors can prevent dirt, germs, and other pollutants from entering the dorm room, keeping the air cleaner and healthier.

9. Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector:

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can be harmful and even fatal. A detector can alert you if there are high levels of this gas inside your dorm room, helping to keep you and your roommates safe.

10. Run The Furnace Blower:

Running the furnace blower can help re-circulate the air in the room, while UV light filtration can kill bacteria and mold spores. This can be especially helpful during the winter when the windows are closed.

11. Ventilate the Cooking Area:

Cooking is a common way of introducing air pollution into a dorm room. Installing a ventilator in the kitchen can improve indoor air quality and keep the air cleaner and healthier.

12. Clean Your Air Conditioner Regularly:

Air conditioners can remove impurities and pollen, but the filters should be cleaned regularly to maintain effectiveness. This can help prevent the buildup of pollutants and keep the air cleaner and healthier.

13. Use Beeswax Candles:

Beeswax candles release negative ions that can purify the air by attracting positively charged particles such as pollen, dust, dirt, and pollutants.

This can greatly improve air quality and add a pleasant scent to your dorm room.

14. Keep Indoor Plants:

Certain indoor plants can purify the air by removing pollutants and releasing oxygen, improving indoor air quality in a dorm room. Consider getting a few low-maintenance indoor plants, such as spider plants or peace lilies, to help keep the air clean and fresh.

15. Speak Up If You Notice Any Issues:

If you’re experiencing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or respiratory problems, or if you notice a musty or unpleasant smell in your living space, don’t hesitate to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Facts About Indoor Air Quality In Dorm Rooms

Poor air quality is a common problem in campus housing due to old buildings and limited airflow. 

The EPA found indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor sources of ozone, like printers and air cleaners that use ionization or ozonolysis, were making things worse! 

Interestingly, a recent survey in China revealed that most students believed the indoor and outdoor air quality was neutral.

Moreover, during the study’s second phase, it was revealed that 90% of the measured dorm rooms had an out-to-indoor air flow rate lower than the Chinese standard of 8.3 L/s per person.

Improving indoor air quality is crucial for promoting good health and overall well-being, so keeping your living space clean and tidy is essential. (1.)(2.)(3.)

What Is Good Indoor Air Quality In Dorm Rooms?

Good indoor air quality in dorm rooms means clean and safe air.

The American Lung Association recommends vacuuming carpets and dusting furniture at least once a week. Plus, according to the CDC, smoking should be avoided in or outside of any enclosed space.

Controlling airborne contaminants and avoiding pollutants from paints, furnishings, and cleaners are essential to maintain good air quality. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and opting for hard-surface flooring can help improve air quality. 

The AQI value should be at or below 50, and carbon dioxide levels should be kept at or below nine ppm CO, which is no health risk. 

Good air quality is generally safe and healthy, with no significant health risks.

Can The Air Quality In My Dorm Room Make Me Sick?

Yes, the air quality in a dorm room can make you sick. In fact, bad air in dorms can cause health problems, allergies, and concentration issues. 

The EPA warns that bad indoor air can hurt student attendance and performance. Symptoms of bad air include fatigue and dizziness. 

Neglecting to clean a dorm can lead to germs in the air. (1.)(2.)

Identifying IAQ Issues In Your Dorm Room

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can significantly impact your health and well-being, especially in small spaces like dorm rooms. 

Here are some tips for identifying IAQ issues in your dorm room:

• Check for moisture, which can cause mold and mildew growth

• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent pollutant buildup

• Test for radon if your room is on the ground floor or in a basement

• Monitor humidity levels to avoid respiratory issues

• Watch for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and irritation

• Report any issues to your school’s housing department for prompt resolution

Where To Report IAQ Issues On Campus

If you are experiencing IAQ issues on campus, you should report them to the appropriate department as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the issue, you may need to contact the following:

Campus Housing Office: If you live in a dorm or other campus housing, contact your housing office to report IAQ issues in your room or common areas.

Facilities Management: If the issue concerns heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems, contact the facilities management department.

Environmental Health and Safety: If you suspect the presence of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, or have concerns about indoor air quality in a classroom or laboratory, contact the environmental health and safety department. 

You can also call the Environmental Justice Hotline at 800-962-6215 – Toll-Free or email them at EJHotline@epa.gov.

Reporting IAQ issues promptly can help prevent health problems and ensure that the campus takes appropriate action to address the issue. (1.) 

The Fastest Way To Improve Air Quality In Your Dorm Room

The quickest ways to improve air quality in your dorm room are to open windows for fresh air, use air purifiers, regularly clean with non-toxic products, avoid smoking indoors, use natural air fresheners, and keep indoor plants.

These steps create a healthier living environment with fresher air and fewer pollutants.

Additional Dorm Room Must-Haves For Good Indoor Air Quality

College students often don’t realize the indoor air pollutants that can accumulate in a dorm room. To stop them, it’s key to choose the right must-haves for good air quality.

Air purifiers are great for catching allergens like pollen and dust mites. 

Also, they get rid of gases like carbon monoxide. Look for units that can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Special mattress covers guard against dust mites in bedding fabric. Choose a duvet cover with a care label to know when to wash it (every two weeks).

Furniture covers like couch or chair slipcovers trap particles like pet dander and mold spores. Wash them regularly and maintain them for longer life.

Ventilation is also important for indoor air quality. Invest in an energy-efficient box fan or an in-window AC unit to eliminate moisture, odors, or smoke fumes.

These options effectively capture airborne contaminants and restore air quality in college dorm rooms.

Don’t forget them when getting supplies this semester!

Conclusion – Why Is improving Air Quality In A dorm Room Important?

In the end, bettering air quality in a dorm means having the right balance of humidity and drying agents to control moisture and reduce pollutants. 

Ventilation is also essential as it eliminates smoke, smells, and microbes.

Invest in an air purifier or filter. Also, do thorough cleaning regularly, like dusting furniture, vacuuming carpets, etc., to reduce dust and allergens.

Awareness of yourself and the environment is critical to improving air quality. Dorm life can be tricky because of the limited space. 

With knowledge of potential dangers and proactive measures, students can have peace of mind that the air is cleaner.

I hope this post was helpful and answered your question “How Can I Improve Air Quality In Dorm Room?” If you liked posts like this one check out our other helpful guides on air quality.