5 Ways to Torpedo Good Ventilation

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For those of us who enjoy stifling, still air rather than fresh breeziness— and therefore stand against World Ventilation Day — these five tips will help make your home feel even more stale and airless. 

1. Keep using bleach in enclosed spaces 

Bleach fumes are heavy.  They also hang around until driving out every bit of fresh air in a small, closed space. For those who dislike muggy, airless environments, try vinegar or alcohol-based cleaners instead—they fade away faster and don’t strangle airflow. 

2. Light your scented candles or incense in damp rooms 

Perfumed candles and fragrant incense release sticky molecules that cling to moisture and settle on cold surfaces—perfect for keeping rooms damp and breathless. For airy sorts, use essential oil diffusers in dry zones only and open windows after use. 

3. Dry your laundry in the exact same spot 

Drying laundry creates a moisture hotspot. When you make sure to dry your clothing and sheets in the same place, every time, you can guarantee that the walls and ceiling in that area will remain moist and the air satisfyingly stuffy. If you happen to be among the few who take pleasure in a fresh breeze, rotate your drying zones and use a crossflow setup (in between two open doors or windows). 

4. Close internal doors all day 

Trapping air in closed-up rooms is a fantastic way to keep your spaces damp and oxygen-free. Because shutting all your doors is a wonderful method to prevent cross-ventilation. Even opening doors a couple inches will encourage air flow between rooms. So—for those who favour their homes clammy and breezeless—best to close every door you can. 

5. Avoid using kitchen and bathroom extractor fans 

Extractor fans move air around, even when there isn’t any steam to extract. Which is fine for the tiny fraction of us who prefer fresh air and well-ventilated rooms. That little group might even turn on their extractor fans when no one is cooking or in the shower, just to feel the improved airflow. But for the majority who adore the cosiness of lingering humidity, trapped moisture and slick, damp walls, avoid the ‘on’ button to all fans, extractor or not.