Every year, after Diwali, a stubborn haze seems to take over Delhi’s skyline. The celebration’s over, but the smoke and dust linger in the air you breathe. And while air purifiers are a great fix, not everyone has one or wants to rely on a machine to breathe clean. The good news? Here are some simple ways to purify air at home, and most of them start with what’s already in your kitchen.

1. Start with a deep clean (but make it damp)

Dry dusting just stirs up more pollutants, so switch to damp cleaning. Use a microfibre cloth or mop slightly wet with water and a few drops of vinegar. It traps fine dust instead of spreading it around. Pay attention to curtains, lampshades, and soft furnishings as they hold on to the most smoke residue after Diwali. Curtains and cushion covers act like silent dust magnets, so wash them at least once a week till the smog settles.

2. Open windows, but smartly

Yes, Delhi’s AQI might look frightening, but you still need some ventilation. The trick is timing. Open windows for just 10-15 minutes in the afternoon when pollution levels are relatively lower. It lets stale indoor air out and brings in a bit of freshness without worsening exposure. But before opening the windows, place a bowl of water mixed with a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil near them as it lightly purifies and freshens the incoming air.

3. Boil herbs to clean air naturally

An old-school trick that genuinely works: boil water with neem leaves, tulsi, or cloves. The steam helps kill airborne bacteria and leaves a refreshing, earthy scent. You can even add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender if you prefer a calming aroma.

4. Use kitchen ingredients as natural deodorisers

Forget synthetic air fresheners, they only mask the smoke smell. Instead, try these natural alternatives:

• Coffee bowls: Place small bowls of ground coffee in corners to absorb odours.
• Vinegar spray: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and spray it around the house. The sharp scent fades in minutes, taking the smoky smell with it.
• Citrus simmer pot: Boil orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Your home will smell like a spa in minutes.

5. Bring in green warriors

Plants are the prettiest air purifiers you’ll ever own. Snake plants, money plants, peace lilies, and areca palms are all low-maintenance and effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Create a small “green corner” near your living room window or balcony. This is one of the best ways to purify air at home.

6. Use charcoal and baking soda

Activated charcoal and baking soda naturally absorb impurities and odours. Place charcoal sachets or small bowls of baking soda around the home, especially near entryways, kitchens, and shoe racks. Replace them every few days during the smoggy weeks to keep them effective.

7. Keep the air moist

Delhi’s post-Diwali air is not just polluted, it’s dry, which irritates your throat and skin. Use a humidifier if you have one, or simply place bowls of water near windows and under fans. Add a few drops of lemongrass or lavender oil to keep the air both moist and fragrant.

8. Go smokeless indoors

This one’s easy but often forgotten — skip incense sticks, candles, or anything that burns for a few days after Diwali. They release micro-particles that make indoor air worse. Opt for reed diffusers or natural sprays if you still want a bit of fragrance.

A few mindful habits can make your home a haven amidst Delhi’s pollution.

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Related: Delhi Smog: 8 Ways To Protect Your Pets From NCR’s Toxic Air