This article isn’t Hong Kong specific - although some of the suggestions here are for places where the pollution is high and the air quality just isn’t there.  I write this post as thoughts of how I can create a fresher breathing place for my kids (and self and husband).  My husband has asthma, so clean air is almost a MUST have for our family.  Here are a few proactive tips you can apply to your house to help keep the air clean.

• Avoid using carpets.  Carpets creates micro debris and absorbs dust at the same time - vacuuming helps, but if you have carpets for long term and eventually pull them out, you will be shocked at how much dust accumulated over those years.  The only carpet (pictured above) I have is a thin polyester “fall rug” in which to absorb some of the impact of falling kids and provide a warm spot for little bums to read and play on.  It’s low maintenance, thin and easy to clean.  
• Limit the amount of stuffed and plush toys - especially those with long hair.  I know kids love stuffed toys and animals, but they do emit dust particles and fluff and debris into the air (that’s why they wear out and become “skinned stuffed animals”).  The only types I buy are the plush types that are washable - especially since my eldest will sometimes sleep with them.
• Decorate with plants.  I don’t have many plants in my house, but have recently added 2 more additions (little green ones as pictured) to my decor.  Plants and trees absorb the CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) in the air and help filter the air as well as produce the critical O2 (Oxygen) that we need.  Plus, they look can add diversity to your house and act as a “responsibility” for your children to look after.
• Regularly clean out your air-conditioning filters.  People sometimes overlook this as an important task, but filters do need cleaning in order to function as they were designed.  I get mine cleaned out at least once a month and no hoarding on the replacements.  On average, the air conditioning is on 24/7 during the summer months (April - September) - I’ve noticed a reduction in wall mold because of this (vs last year I was being frugal and the mold kept coming back - read my post on wall mold).  This may not apply to non-HK residents.  Truthfully, the air inside is cleaner than the air outside.  Sad.
• Consider an air cleaning system (stand alone ones).  These products are heavily promoted in HK due to the poor air quality and with HEPA filters, they provide extra filtration to micro debris.
• Invest in a high quality vacuum.  My Dyson is a trusty tool that is powerful, has a built-in HEPA filter and is promoted as efficient in reducing air debris significantly.  You should really consider vacuuming your bed and pillows (not only your floors) and be surprised the stuff that comes out of that!!  In short, a good vacuum should do more than pick up visible debris.
• Don’t use dusters.  Try dust static wipes instead.  Those traditional feather dusters serve no purpose but to create more dust into the air.  By wiping a surface clean, you’re merely pushing the dust from one place to another.  Instead, consider using those static wipes that actually “hold” on to the dust.  A wet cloth serves the same purpose because it’s really collecting dust and simply wash and down the drain it goes.

Here are a few tips for proactively creating cleaner air in our homes.  It’s far from complete, but these are a few ideas that I’ve implemented in my home.  If you have any ideas you can share, please post them in the comments.  Would love to know hear your great ideas!