When it comes to dealing with an active fire impacting our area or when the Air Quality Index shows that the smoke levels are unhealthy and expected to stay that way, we’ve got a handy tip for you. You can create a clean room right in your home to help minimize your exposure to smoke while you stay indoors.

Anyone can benefit from having a clean room during a wildfire smoke event. However, it can benefit those who are more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke, like kids, Elders, or folks with heart conditions or breathing difficulties.

Here’s what you’ll need to set up your indoor clean room:

• A trusty box fan 20″ x 20″
• A 20″ x 20″ MERV 13 or FPR 10 Air Filter
• Duct tape or bungee cords (48″ total length needed) to keep everything in place.

By following these simple steps, you can create your clean room & breathe a little easier during fire season:

1. Choose a Room: Pick a room in your home where you can comfortably spend your time. It could be a bedroom, living room, or any space where windows and exterior doors can stay closed while the fan is in use.
2. Set Up the Fan and Filter: Place the fan in the room and secure the air filter onto the back of the fan using duct tape or bungee cord, ensuring it covers the entire area. This setup will help filter out the smoke particles from the incoming air.
3. Seal the Gaps: Try and seal any gaps around the edges of windows and exterior doors in the room to help prevent outdoor air and smoke from sneaking into your clean room.
4. Enjoy Your Clean Room: Now, turn on the fan, run it for at least 15 minutes, and enjoy the safe, clean air! The fan will draw in air through the filter, cleaning it up and circulating fresh, filtered air into your fresh air oasis.

Important Safety Tips:

• Ensure your fan doesn’t overheat by turning it off every 30 minutes and allowing it to rest for at least 15 minutes before resuming use.
• Do not run the fan overnight, while you are out of the house, or sleeping.

Resources & Downloads

Check out this Demo on YouTube video from King County Public Health

Download the DIY Indoor Filter Fan Instructions Here

Monitor Air Quality on our website or at AirNow.Gov