Haze season in Sarawak is a yearly reality. When the API climbs and the skyline disappears behind a smoky haze, most people shut their windows and stay indoors — but indoor air quality can deteriorate just as quickly if you’re not managing it actively. Here are five practical ways to keep your home fresh and your air clean when the haze rolls in.

1. Get an Air Purifier — and Use It Correctly

An air purifier with a HEPA filter is the single most effective tool for improving indoor air quality during haze season. HEPA filters capture fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is the primary health concern during haze events. Place your purifier in the room where you spend the most time — usually the bedroom or living area — and keep it running consistently rather than switching it on only when the air smells bad. For larger apartments, consider a second unit for the bedroom. Check and replace filters according to the manufacturer’s schedule; a clogged filter does very little.

2. Seal the Gaps

Even with windows closed, haze particles can enter through gaps around doors, windows, and air conditioning units. Use weather stripping or draft excluders on doors, and check that your window seals are intact. If your AC unit has a fresh air intake function, switch it to recirculation mode during heavy haze — this stops the unit from actively drawing in outdoor air. Small adjustments like these make a noticeable difference in how much particulate matter actually enters your living space.

3. Keep Indoor Plants That Actually Help

Certain houseplants are known to support air filtration and add moisture to dry, recirculated indoor air. Peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants are low-maintenance options that work well in Kuching’s humidity levels and do reasonably well even in air-conditioned environments. While plants alone won’t replace a proper air purifier, they contribute to a fresher-feeling indoor environment and are a practical addition to any home during haze season.

4. Freshen Fabrics and Surfaces Regularly

Haze particles that do make it indoors settle on soft surfaces — curtains, sofa upholstery, rugs, and bedding. During haze season, increase how often you wash or vacuum these items. Use a damp cloth rather than a dry one when wiping down hard surfaces, as dry dusting can redistribute particles back into the air. Washing bedding more frequently also makes a real difference to sleep quality, particularly for children or anyone with respiratory sensitivities.

5. Be Strategic About Ventilation Timing

Living in a well-sealed, well-ventilated apartment makes haze season significantly more manageable.
TSW’s developments are designed with quality finishes and modern fittings that help keep your indoor environment comfortable year-round. Contact us at 082-230-030 or tsws@tswproperties.com to find out more.