Post burning crackers on Diwali, living spaces often carry heavy smoke and pollutants. Go for protective measures like keeping peak-hour crackers burning pollution outside, running air-purifiers, and wiping down dirty surfaces with a damp cloth to keep your house refreshed.
How To Improve Indoor Air Quality During Diwali?
Here are 5 ways to remove toxic smoke and improve indoor air quality after burning crackers on Diwali. Choose from properly timed ventilation and true HEPA air purification keep your indoor air fresh and safe throughout the Diwali week.
1. Strategic Ventilation
Tightly shut all windows, doors, and balcony opening points during evening cracker-bursting hours on Diwali to prevent toxic pollutants and chemical substances from entering your home.
Wait until the next afternoon, when sunlight and warmer temperatures help remove ground-level smog to open windows for a brief period to let in cleaner air.
Keep air puifiers running during Diwali inside home (Image Credits: Pexels)
2. Run HEPA Air Purifiers
Air purifiers that are equipped with True HEPA filters can capture microscopic dirt particles and heavy pollution post burning crackers on Diwali.
Place purifiers in living rooms and bedrooms, and keep doors and windows sealed in those specific rooms. This way, the purifiers can continuously cycle and filter the air efficiently.
3. Incorporate Indoor Plants
Certain indoor plants can help absorb some pollutants and smog, and naturally improve indoor air quality.
Position low-maintenance plants such as Snake Plants, Areca Palms, Peace Lilies, and Spider Plants around living spaces and doors to provide gentle, continuous natural air filtration post crackers burning on Diwali.
4. Minimize Secondary Smoke
Indoor air which is already affected by outdoor Diwali pollution should not be burdened with more indoor smoke inducing activities such as incense, diya, and more.
Avoid lighting incense sticks, dhoop, scented candles, or mosquito coils indoors post Diwali, also run exhaust chimneys while cooking food in the kitchen.
Keep doors and windows closed (Image Credits: Pexels)
5. Mop Surfaces Thoroughly
Microscopic dust and soot particles can settle quickly across floors, curtains, and tables, which can easily add on more air pollution indoors during Diwali.
Avoid dry brooms and dusters as they can kick particles back into the air indoors after burning crackers. It is better to go for damp microfiber cloths to mop floors daily with warm water mixed with neem oil or floor cleaners.
Recommended For You
Take Steps Post Diwali | Action Required | Key Benefits |
1. Seal Windows | Shut tight at night; open briefly at noon. | Blocks heavy evening smog. |
2. Run Purifiers | Keep HEPA units running in closed rooms. | Filters microscopic PM2.5 soot. |
3. Add Plants | Place Snake Plants and Palms indoors. | Naturally filters trace toxins. |
4. Stop Smoke | Avoid incense, coils, and candles indoors. | Prevents extra indoor pollution. |
5. Wet Mop | Use damp cloths; avoid dry sweeping. | Traps settled dust and soot. |
ALSO READ: 5 Must-Take Road Trips For An Adventurous Festive Long Weekend
Expert Tips Recommended To Improve Home Air Quality Post Diwali
- Remove visible soot and hair on the air purifier so the HEPA filter works without any issue.
- Place air purifiers on a low stool to filter air directly around your breathing area.
- Avoid using air conditioners much as it can pull toxic air from outside and blow it inside.
- Use a damp towel to block open areas around door frames and windows.
- Wash or vacuum your rugs and door mats instead of shaking them to remove dirt so minimise dirt from flying into the home.
ALSO READ: How To Protect Your Home From Dust And Smog During Winter?
FAQs
When is the safest time to ventilate the house after Diwali?
The best time to ventilate your house post burning crackers on Diwali is between 12 PM to 3 PM. The weather is warmer and air cleaner outside as ground level pollutants rise up, this results in a cleaner atmosphere during the daytime.
How long should air purifiers run post burning crackers on Diwali?
You should run the air purifiers on auto continuously or on medium mode 24/7 post Diwali. The air is really toxic after Diwali as pollution levels increase so make sure to stay indoors and keep the doors locked.
Why is dry sweeping with a broom harmful after Diwali?
When you dry sweep your home after Diwali, it can lift all the dirt particles back into the air and add more pollutants to your house. So, it’s always better to opt for wet mopping with a microfibre cloth to keep your house clean and free of pollution.