Top 5 air hygiene challenges in care homes (and how to address them)
Maintaining high standards of hygiene and comfort in care homes is vital for compliance, dignity and quality of life. However, managing indoor air quality presents unique challenges that go beyond surface cleaning. From persistent odours to airborne infection risks, here are five of the most common air hygiene concerns in care settings, and what can help address them.
1. Persistent odours from incontinence and personal hygiene
Unpleasant smells caused by bodily waste are a regular concern in care homes, especially in settings where continence issues or dementia are more common. Even with diligent personal care, odours can linger in bedrooms, corridors and communal spaces. These smells may lead to complaints, affect staff morale and leave a poor impression on visitors.
What helps:
Frequent cleaning and good hygiene routines are essential. Where possible, replacing carpets with easy-clean flooring can reduce the absorption of waste odours. Improved ventilation can help, although it may be limited by issues such as cold air in winter or allergens and insects in warmer months. Air purification technologies that actively treat the air and reduce odour molecules and bacteria can support a consistently fresher environment.
2. Airborne bacteria and viruses
Close living conditions and constant interaction between staff, residents and visitors increase the risk of infection spreading through the air. Pathogens expelled by coughs and sneezes can circulate quickly, particularly in poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces.
What helps:
Regular cleaning of surfaces and good hand hygiene are fundamental. In addition, proven air treatment systems suitable for use in occupied areas can help reduce airborne microbes. It is important that such systems are backed by independently validated performance data to ensure they deliver reliable results.
3. Poor ventilation, especially in older buildings
Many care homes operate in older buildings that were not designed with modern air movement or infection control in mind. This can lead to stagnant or stuffy environments, particularly in colder months when windows are kept closed or in summer when humidity and odours build up.
What helps:
Natural ventilation should be used where it is practical and comfortable. However, this is often insufficient. Supplementary air purification helps maintain air quality without relying on open windows or creating discomfort from draughts or temperature shifts.
4. Odours that return despite cleaning
Even with thorough cleaning, smells can quickly return, particularly in washrooms or high-dependency areas. This is often caused by airborne contaminants that traditional cleaning cannot remove. Some sites rely on fragranced products to mask odours, but this approach rarely solves the problem. In fact, strong scents can interact with waste odours to create an unpleasant and chemically dense atmosphere, contributing further to poor air quality.
What helps:
Focus cleaning on hard-to-reach areas such as floor edges, under furniture and around waste bins. Avoid excessive use of artificial fragrances, which can overwhelm the environment and add to overall air contamination. Since traditional methods do not address the air itself, incorporating air cleaning technology that works continuously to remove odours and stale air can provide lasting improvement.
5. Odours affecting reputation and occupancy
Family members and inspectors often notice odours immediately. A lingering smell, even in an otherwise clean home, can suggest poor hygiene or lack of care. In some cases, this perception may influence occupancy rates or inspection outcomes.
What helps:
Proactively managing air quality helps demonstrate commitment to hygiene and dignity. Alongside effective cleaning, suitable air purification technology provides visible action and peace of mind for staff, families and inspectors. The result is a more comfortable environment and improved confidence in care standards.
