Back-to-School Season: Clean Air for Kids’ Bedrooms

Kids spend a lot of time in their bedrooms, whether they’re sleeping, playing, reading, or doing homework. That means the air they breathe in their room can have an impact on their overall well-being. Poor indoor air circulation can allow allergens like dust, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen to linger. Three main strategies can help reduce airborne allergens:

1. Air Purifiers: High-quality purifiers with multi-stage filtration capture fine and ultrafine particles, including common allergens.

2. Proper Ventilation: Opening windows to bring in fresh air dilutes indoor contaminants, reducing the concentration of allergens and pathogens. Remember, only open windows when the air quality index is at an acceptable level.

3. Frequent Cleaning: Wiping down surfaces, washing bedding regularly, and vacuuming help keep dust from settling in.

The CDC notes that improving ventilation and using air filtration in shared spaces can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, especially during peak cold and flu seasons. 

A good air purifier can refresh your air and remove airborne particles. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that cleaner indoor air can help reduce allergens, which are common during the fall school season.

• Multi-Stage Filtration: Captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, and pet dander.

• Activated Carbon Filter: Adsorbs odors from pets and cooking smells

• Quiet Operation: Reduce disruptions during homework and sleep.

• Compact, Safe Design: Fits easily in smaller bedrooms without taking up valuable play space. 

• Levoit Sprout Air Purifier: Designed with parents in mind, this sleek, compact purifier combines a main filter with ultra-quiet operation. Its child-friendly design blends into any room, and the low noise level makes it perfect for naptime or bedtime use.

• Levoit Core Mini-P Air Purifier: Ideal for smaller bedrooms or desks, the Core Mini-P offers 3-stage filtration and a space-saving build. It’s whisper-quiet and energy-efficient, making it easy to run all night.

Place the air purifier in an open area, at least a few feet away from walls or furniture, for optimal airflow. Avoid placing it near curtains or toys that could block vents. 

Even with an air purifier, stale air can still allow pollutants to linger. Simple steps like cracking a window for a few minutes each day (make sure to check the air quality first) or using a fan to circulate air can improve ventilation. The CDC recommends increasing the introduction of outdoor air when possible to help dilute airborne contaminants.

Keeping surfaces and fabrics clean is equally important as your children’s air. Kids’ bedrooms often have high-touch items like toys, books, and electronics that are important to keep sanitized.

Here are some parent-friendly cleaning tips that make a difference:

1. Daily Wipe Downs: Use disinfectant wipes or a mild cleaner on desks, nightstands, and door handles.

2. Frequent Laundry: Wash bedding weekly and stuffed animals every 1–2 weeks in hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria.

3. Machine Washable Bedding: Choose bedding that’s easy to toss in the washer, and keep a backup set for quick changes.

4. Vacuum: A vacuum such as the LVAC-300 can trap fine particles instead of blowing them back into the air.

5. Declutter Surfaces: Fewer items on desks and shelves mean fewer places for dust to settle. 

If you have younger children or babies in the home, air quality becomes even more critical. The immune systems of infants are still developing, and younger children tend to spend a lot of time on the floor where dust and allergens often collect.

Here are some ways to reduce dust and dander:

• Vacuum and Mop Floors Regularly: Do so especially in play areas and around cribs.

• Avoid Strong Fragrances: Use unscented cleaning products to reduce respiratory irritation.

• Run Air Purifiers During Nap and Playtime: Quiet models like the Levoit Sprout Air Purifier keep the air clean without disturbing sleep.

Noise matters, especially for kids who need restful sleep. Air purifiers with quiet modes or low decibel ratings help maintain a peaceful environment. Models like the Sprout and Core Mini-P run quietly, so kids can sleep right through the night without noticing it’s on, which in turn helps parents rest easier knowing their little ones' air is clean.

Air purifiers, ventilation, and regular cleaning work best when they’re part of a routine. Encourage kids to help build healthy habits, such as dusting with a microfiber cloth while you vacuum or turning on the air purifier before their nap. Make a family effort to teach kids wellness-forward practices they’ll carry into adulthood.

• Use air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens.

• Ventilate daily when outdoor air quality allows.

• Clean high-touch surfaces and wash bedding regularly.

• Choose quiet, compact purifiers for restful environments.

• Keep the floor clean and dust-free for crawling babies and toddlers.

A few simple changes in your child’s bedroom environment can make a big difference to their well-being during the school year. By pairing clean air strategies with smart cleaning habits, you can help protect your kids and give them a clean and comfortable space to rest and recharge. 

Sources

CDC. "About Hand Hygiene in Schools and Early Care and Education Settings"

CDC. "Everday Actions for Schools to Prevent and Control the Spread of Transmissible Infections"

Healthy Children. "5 Ways to Help Your Kids Have a Healthy School Year"

Healthy Children. "AAP Clears the Air on Role of Indoor Environmental Exposure in Childhood Asthma"

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used in medical emergencies or for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. It's crucial to consult a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. External links are for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsements. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the products and/or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of the information provided herein.