How to Reduce VOCs in Your Home and Improve Your Air

Did you know aerosol products produce more air pollution from VOCs than all the cars in the UK? Learning that stopped me in my tracks.

Many everyday products release VOCs into the air. Cleaning sprays, air fresheners, paints, and even mattresses. And those chemicals build up indoors, where we spend most of our time.

Learning how to reduce VOCs in your home can make a real difference in the air you breathe every day.

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What Are VOCs?

VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. They’re chemicals that evaporate easily into the air from certain solids or liquids.

They’re called “volatile” because they turn into gas at room temperature. So every time you spray a cleaner or light a candle, those chemicals don’t just disappear. They enter the air around you.

Why VOCs in Your Home Are Concern

The air inside the spaces where most of us spend our time is more polluted than the air outside. Indoor air pollution is on average two-five times higher than outdoor air.

And it can get much worse. At times, indoor air pollution levels can spike to 1,000 times higher than outdoor air.

When I first learned this, it made me stop and think. I’d been making progress with many safer products, but I hadn’t yet considered the magnitude of what I was breathing IN.

Turns out, that was a pretty big oversight.

How VOCs Affect Your Health

The dangers of VOC exposure include:

Respiratory issues and asthma
Throat infections
Headaches and dizziness
Allergic reactions
Increased cancer risk
Damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system

Long-term exposure to VOCs can have serious health consequences.

Common Sources of VOCs in the Home

Living room with desk, sofa and other furniture view from above. Casual interior top view.

Many common household products release VOCs into the air. And off-gassing can linger long after you bring those products home.

Off-gassing is when a product slowly releases chemicals into the air over time, even when it’s not being used.

Common sources of VOCs include:

Cleaning products, disinfectants, and detergents
Air fresheners, scented candles, and other fragrance products
Personal care products (including hairspray and deodorant)
New furniture and flooring
Paint, paint strippers, and stains
Dry-cleaned clothing
Other household aerosol sprays

VOCs are present in many of the products we bring into our homes.

How to Reduce VOCs in Your Home

You don’t need to do everything all at once. Even a few changes can improve the air in your home. We’ll cover two main strategies: improving ventilation and reducing sources of VOCs indoors.

Improve Ventilation

Good airflow helps flush VOCs out before they can build up. Even a few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in the air you and your family breathe.

Open Windows and Use Exhaust Fans

Open windows frequently. Use kitchen and bathroom fans. Even just 10-15 minutes of fresh air circulation makes a huge difference. This is especially important during and after cleaning, cooking, showering or using scented products.

This is one of the easiest, most effective changes you can make. And it’s completely free.

Support Airflow With HVAC and AC Filters

Regularly changing HVAC and air conditioner filters supports better indoor air quality. It helps prevent polluted air from being recirculated through your home.

Use an Air Purifier With a Carbon Filter

An air purifier with a carbon filter can make a huge difference. Carbon filters are specifically good at trapping VOCs, so if you’re going to invest in one thing, make it this. This is the air purifier we use.

Add Some Air-Purifying Plants

Snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies, and pothos (money plant) are all known to help filter indoor air. They absorb certain toxins through their leaves and roots as part of their natural process. And most of them are pretty low-maintenance and forgiving if you’re not a plant person.

Reduce VOC Sources Indoors

Living room with sliding glass door opened to improve ventilation and reduce VOCs in the home.

The next step is preventing VOCs from building up in the first place. Many everyday products and activities release chemicals you can’t see, but a few mindful choices can reduce your exposure.

Remove Scented Products

Some household products release VOCs into your indoor air, even when you’re not actively using them. That plug-in air freshener is continually adding VOCs to the air around you. Those scented candles can release VOCs even when they aren’t lit! Replacing them can immediately reduce what you’re breathing in.

Switch to Safer Cleaners

Many conventional cleaning products contain VOCs that add to indoor air pollution. This includes everything from all-purpose sprays to disinfectants and bathroom cleaners.

You don’t have to give up cleaning power to go safer. I use Force of Nature, a non-toxic multipurpose cleaner that eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria. You can also make simple DIY solutions, like vinegar and water, that are safe and effective.

Reduce VOCs From Laundry and Clothing

Woman holding laundry basket in front of washer and dryer with safer cleaners.

Laundry is an easy source to miss. Clothing can off-gas VOCs all day and night, especially when it’s freshly washed. That exposure adds to indoor air pollution, and you’re breathing them in close to your body. Some meaningful changes you can make:

Switch to laundry detergent without fragrance
Skipping scent boosters
Switching to drier balls instead of dryer sheets.

Dry-cleaned clothing is another common source. Let those items air out outdoors or in a well-ventilated space before bringing them into your home.

Choose Low-VOC Furniture and Materials

When possible, choose furniture and materials labeled low-VOC.

One practical step that can help is airing out new items before bringing them inside. Let a new couch or chair off-gas outside or in the garage for a few days before moving it into your living space.

This won’t eliminate all VOCs, but it can reduce that initial exposure.

Ventilate During Painting and DIY Projects

Paint, paint strippers, stains, and finishes are common sources of VOCs. Choose low-VOC options whenever you can. Recently painted walls continue to release VOCs long after the paint dries. Ventilate well during projects and for several days afterward. It’s best to schedule these projects when you can keep the windows open.

Store Strong Products Outside Living Areas

Some products release VOCs even when they’re not in use. Paint, pesticides, fuel, and strong cleaners are best stored in a garage, shed, or outdoor space. Keeping them out of living areas reduces VOC exposure.

Start Reducing VOCs

It can feel overwhelming to know that aerosol products produce more VOCs than all the cars in the UK. One person won’t change the total, but you can improve the air in your own home.

Even small swaps make a difference for the air you breathe every day, and can help you create a non-toxic home. Start with one of the changes I shared about and build from there.

Do you have a tip for reducing VOCs in your home that I missed?