The Workspace Air Quality Reset

Posted by

Kate Harry Shipham

Posted on

Mar 31, 2025

Go beyond dusting and improve the air you breathe at your desk.

When most people think about refreshing their workspace, they usually think of dusting, decluttering, or rearranging supplies. Those things matter, but there’s something even more important that often gets ignored — the air you breathe.

The quality of the air in your office, home office, or shared workspace can have a major effect on how you feel, think, and work. Poor air quality contributes to headaches, fatigue, allergies, and that sluggish feeling that can hit mid-afternoon, even if you’re well-rested. The good news? Improving your workspace air quality isn’t complicated or expensive. It just takes a little attention and a few smart changes.

Here’s how you can go beyond basic cleaning and give your office an air quality reset — with plants, fresh air, and natural cleaners.

Why Air Quality Matters More Than You Think

Indoor air can actually be more polluted than outdoor air, especially in closed spaces like offices. Dust, chemicals from cleaning products, old carpeting, office equipment, and poor ventilation all contribute to what some people call “stale office air.”

Low-quality air might not seem like a big deal at first, but it adds up. It can cause:

Headaches and brain fog
Dry eyes and irritated skin
Increased allergy symptoms
Poor focus and reduced productivity
Increased susceptibility to colds and other illnesses

Breathing in cleaner air helps you think more clearly, feel better throughout the day, and avoid that heavy, tired feeling that can creep in after hours in the same space.

Step 1: Bring in Fresh Air

The simplest way to reset the air in your office is to open a window. Fresh air circulation reduces indoor air pollutants and brings in oxygen-rich air that helps you stay alert. Even 10-15 minutes a day of fresh airflow can make a noticeable difference.

If you’re working in a space without windows or with poor ventilation, consider using a fan to help circulate the air or investing in a small air purifier suited for your room size. Air purifiers are great at reducing dust, allergens, and pollutants, especially in shared offices or older buildings.

Tip: Try to air out your space regularly, not just during spring cleaning. Make it part of your daily or weekly routine.

Step 2: Let Plants Do Some of the Work

Plants are more than just cute desk accessories — they actively help improve air quality. Certain plants absorb pollutants and release oxygen, naturally freshening the air around you.

Some popular air-purifying plants that are low-maintenance and office-friendly include:

Snake Plant — Tolerates low light and needs very little water.
Peace Lily — Helps remove airborne toxins and adds humidity.
Pothos — Easy to care for and great at filtering common pollutants.
Spider Plant — Known for improving air quality and handling neglect well.
Rubber Plant — Excellent for filtering toxins and handling a variety of lighting conditions.

You don’t need to turn your office into a jungle — even one or two well-placed plants can make a difference. Plus, plants have been linked to reduced stress and improved mood, giving you a double benefit.

Step 3: Ditch the Harsh Chemicals

A lot of commercial cleaning products actually make indoor air worse. Many contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that linger in the air long after you spray them. These chemicals can cause headaches, respiratory irritation, and even disrupt focus.

Switching to natural or non-toxic cleaners is a simple way to cut down on unnecessary chemicals in your workspace. Look for cleaners labeled as plant-based, non-toxic, or fragrance-free. Or make your own with simple ingredients like:

White vinegar
Baking soda
Lemon
Castile soap
Essential oils (like tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender) for natural scent

For example, a simple all-purpose cleaner can be made by mixing equal parts water and vinegar with a few drops of essential oil. It’s effective, safe, and won’t leave chemical residue floating in the air you breathe.

Step 4: Keep Dust in Check

Dust might seem harmless, but it’s often loaded with allergens, mold spores, and other particles you don’t want floating around your workspace. A regular dusting routine — especially in spring when allergens increase — helps keep your space healthy.

Focus on:

Desk surfaces
Keyboard and mouse
Computer screens
Shelves and storage units
Vent covers and fans

Use a damp microfiber cloth to trap dust instead of spreading it around. Vacuum or sweep floors regularly, especially under your desk where dust loves to collect unnoticed.

Step 5: Refresh Soft Surfaces

Carpets, rugs, and upholstered office chairs quietly trap allergens, dirt, and even mold.

Give them a spring refresh by:

Vacuuming thoroughly
Spot-cleaning with natural solutions
Using a steam cleaner if needed
Letting them air out in fresh air when possible

Soft surfaces are often forgotten during routine cleaning but play a big role in the air you breathe.

Step 6: Add Humidity (If Needed)

Too little humidity can make your workspace feel dry and uncomfortable, especially if you rely on heating or air conditioning. Low humidity can dry out your skin, irritate your sinuses, and make you more vulnerable to colds.

A small desk humidifier or adding a few moisture-loving plants (like a peace lily) can help balance your space. Just don’t overdo it — too much humidity can lead to mold growth. Aim for a healthy balance.

Step 7: Make It a Habit, Not Just a One-Time Reset

Spring is a perfect time to refresh your office air, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Keeping your workspace’s air quality in check year-round will pay off with better focus, fewer sick days, and an overall boost in how you feel while working.

Simple habits like opening windows regularly, wiping down surfaces, keeping a plant or two nearby, and switching to gentle cleaners will help you maintain a fresh, breathable space.

Our Final Thoughts

We tend to focus so much on organizing our work things — papers, supplies, cables — that we forget about the air we breathe all day. A workspace air quality reset is one of the most underrated ways to boost your mood, health, and productivity without much effort.

This spring, don’t just dust the shelves — give your office a full refresh. Your lungs (and your brain) will thank you.