Haze Cleaning in Singapore: How to Clean and Protect Your Home

During haze season in Singapore, the most effective home cleaning steps are to keep windows and doors closed when air quality is poor, wipe dust from sills, grilles and surfaces with a damp cloth rather than a dry duster, keep air purifier and aircon filters clean, and do a thorough clean once the haze clears. Check NEA's PSI readings and advisories to decide when to open up again.

Here's how to handle each stage, from the first hazy morning to the clean-up afterwards.

Understanding the readings

NEA publishes the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) and PM2.5 readings for different parts of Singapore. The 24-hour PSI is grouped into bands: good (0 to 50), moderate (51 to 100), unhealthy (101 to 200), very unhealthy (201 to 300) and hazardous (above 300). NEA's health advisories are tied to the 24-hour PSI. For the latest readings and advice, check NEA's website or the myENV app.

Transboundary haze has historically tended to affect Singapore during the drier months of the southwest monsoon, roughly June to October, but it varies a lot from year to year. Some years see little or none.

This article sticks to home cleaning. For health questions, especially for children, elderly people or anyone with heart or lung conditions, follow NEA and Ministry of Health guidance and speak to a doctor.

While the haze is around

Close up the home

Haze particles are fine and settle on every surface. When readings are high:

• Keep windows and doors shut, including the service yard window if possible
• Close the bathroom window and rely on the exhaust fan for ventilation
• Keep the main door closed and avoid propping it open for airflow
• Draw curtains on the windward side; they catch a little of what gets through gaps

Clean the air you can control

• Air purifiers: run them in the rooms you use most, with doors closed. Check the filter. A clogged filter works poorly, and pre-filters can often be vacuumed. Replace main filters according to the manufacturer's schedule, which may come sooner during heavy haze.
• Aircon: a running aircon recirculates indoor air. Clean the washable filters more often during haze, as they collect dust faster. Our guide to cleaning aircon filters at home shows how. We wipe aircon unit exteriors during a standard clean but don't do internal servicing or chemical washes.
• Fans: fans move air but don't filter it. Wipe the blades and grilles so they're not blowing settled dust around.

Dust the right way

Dry dusting during haze stirs particles back into the air. Instead:

1. Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth on surfaces, folding it to a clean side often.
2. Vacuum with a machine that has a good filter, and empty it outdoors or straight into a sealed bag.
3. Damp-mop hard floors instead of sweeping.
4. Wash the cloths and mop heads after each session.

The haze hot spots in a Singapore home

Some areas collect far more haze dust than others:

• Window sills and tracks. Grit builds up in the sliding tracks and gets dragged across the glass.
• Window grilles. Common in HDB flats and a magnet for fine particles. See our guide to window grille cleaning.
• Service yard. Often has open louvres or a window that never fully seals, so dust lands on the washing machine and drying rack.
• Balcony. Condo balconies collect a visible film on furniture and glass railings.
• Curtains. Fabric traps particles; vacuum with a brush attachment or wash after the haze.
• Shoe cabinet and entrance. Dust comes in on shoes, bags and umbrellas.

Laundry during haze

Clothes hung outside on bamboo poles or a window rack can pick up a smoky smell and fine dust. When readings are high, dry laundry indoors with good airflow from a fan or dehumidifier, or use a dryer. Our guide to cleaning the service yard and laundry area covers how to keep that space clean.

After the haze: a proper reset

Once readings are back in the good or moderate range and NEA advisories ease, open windows to air the home and give it a full clean:

A post-haze clean is a good use of a one-off session. Cleaning Assistant serves homes across Singapore, including window cleaning for interiors and safely accessible exteriors. You provide the cleaning supplies and equipment, so you know exactly what's used in your home. For a broader reset, our deep cleaning guide explains what's involved, and the home cleaning services guide covers standard scope.

Frequently asked questions

Should I open my windows to clean during haze?

Not when PSI readings are in the unhealthy range or higher. Clean with windows closed, using damp cloths and a filtered vacuum, and air the home once NEA readings improve.

How often should I clean aircon filters during haze?

More often than usual, since they collect dust faster. Check the washable filters every week or two during heavy haze and rinse them when they look grey, letting them dry fully before refitting.

Why do my window grilles get so dirty during haze?

Fine particles settle on any exposed metal surface, and grilles have a lot of surface area. Wipe them with a damp cloth rather than brushing dry, which just spreads the dust.

Is it safe to have a cleaner come during the haze?

Indoor cleaning can usually go ahead with windows closed. If readings climb into the very unhealthy range or you'd rather not have anyone travelling, contact us and we'll help you move the session.

Haze passed and the dust left behind? Book a post-haze clean, or WhatsApp +65 8166 0891 to arrange a time.