Many of you might remember or recall your mom or even grandmom opening the house during the wintertime after someone was sick, or even just to “let in some fresh air.”

“Burping” your home is a viral wellness trend that is making its way around social media.  Inspired by the German practice of lüften—it involves briefly opening windows and doors to flush out stale indoor air and replace it with fresh outdoor air. 

 

Your friends at Cale are offering you the following tips and hints if you want to jump on the house burp bandwagon:

 

Why Should You “Burp” Your Home

Modern homes are often tightly sealed for energy efficiency, which can trap pollutants and moisture inside. Regularly “burping” helps: 

  • Improve Air Quality: It thins out the buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and allergens from cooking, cleaning, and breathing.
  • Prevent Mold: Releasing trapped humidity from showers and cooking helps prevent condensation and mold growth.
  • Boost Well-being: Fresh air can reduce symptoms like brain fog, headaches, and fatigue caused by high CO2 levels.
  • Improve Heating Efficiency: Damp air is harder to heat; letting in drier winter air can actually make your home easier to warm up once the windows are closed. 
  •  

How to Do It Correctly

  • The “Shock” Method: Instead of leaving a window cracked all day, which wastes energy, open all windows wide for a short “shock” burst of 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Create Cross-Ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a draft that shifts air much faster.
  • Choose the Right Time: Aim for early morning or midday when outdoor humidity and traffic pollution are typically lower.
  • Target Key Areas: Focus on rooms with the most moisture or activity, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. 
  •  

Note: S kip the “burp” if outdoor air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke, high pollen counts, or heavy rush-hour traffic.