If you want a home that feels fresh, it's time to try this stale air fix that's all over TikTok. "House burping" is the practice of opening your windows for 10 to 15 minutes a day to replace stale indoor air with fresh air. It comes from the German tradition of “lüften,” which means “to air out” or “ventilate.” Apartment leases in Germany frequently include a lüften clause that requires tenants to open their windows twice a day for 10 minutes. And although you may not be required to do so, experts say it's still a great way to freshen your home and even improve your family's health.
During mild weather, many people open their windows for a bit of fresh air. But experts say you should also be doing this when it's cold outside, as you don't want allergens and other airborne contaminants to build up inside the home all winter. In the hotter months of the year, pros say you should still open your windows daily, but you'll want to be careful about the timing. It's best to open your windows late in the evening or early in the morning rather than in the afternoon so you don't bring warm air into your house during the hottest hours of the day.
Below, experts explain why this stale air fix works and how it can improve your health.
Why is ‘House Burping’ Important?
While house burping is not a requirement in the United States, the practice can be critical for many American households. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. The quality of the air inside your home plays a critical role in your overall well-being. Even if you spend less than 90 percent of your time at home, it’s essential to feel confident that the air you’re breathing is clean, especially in a space meant to feel safe. While opening windows may seem more practical in the summer, doing so during the colder months can be just as, if not more, important.
“Indoor air quality gets really bad during the winter, since windows and doors tend to stay closed,” says Dan DiClerico, the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab. “Even a small amount of fresh air exchange from the outside will help disperse allergens, chemicals and other airborne contaminants. Cracking a window is the best way to achieve this.”
Lack of ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, mold and carbon dioxide accumulation, which, unlike carbon monoxide, is only lethal at extremely high concentrations but can cause headaches and drowsiness. If you don’t feel like opening your windows every day, running exhaust fans in the bathroom or kitchen will also help dispel indoor pollutants, DiClerico says.
We know that when your home is warm and cozy during a winter day, it might be hard to justify letting some cold air inside. If Germans can brave their icy winters for a bit of fresh air, surely 10–15 minutes won’t ruin your cozy vibe.
Rosamelia is a writer at Good Housekeeping, covering everything related to Gen Z, lifestyle, and online trends. She’s a graduate of NYU's Magazine and Digital Storytelling program. In her free time, you can find her reading and reviewing books on her bookstagram: amelias_biblioteca.
