Club Benefits
We usually don't associate the idea of burping with positive things. Bad smells, poor hygiene, maybe an ill-advised meal choice the night before all spring to mind. But when it comes to 'house burping,' the opposite is true.
In the wise words of Shrek, some things are "better out than in," and that certainly applies to the stale air inside your home. Which is why it makes total sense that TikTok has grasped the concept of burping your house and ran with it, especially at a time of year when we tend to hibernate inside and keep the elements out!
Why are people burping their house?
TikTok user @lysettebrindley shared a 'daily reminder' to burp your home in a video that now has over five million views.
“House burping is the modern term for an age-old habit," says Dempsey. "Cracking open windows for 10-15 minutes a day to let fresh air sweep through the home. The trend has recently taken off on TikTok, but many households have been practicing this method for years – and rightfully so."
I've certainly been burping my house for years, much to the annoyance of my college roommates! Cracking open my windows for a fresh gulp of air in my home not only gets rid of lingering smells from cooking or pets, but it also brings in a higher air quality which is good for your health, and frame of mind.
"When done correctly, a daily house burp is also an easy way to improve your home's air quality," says Dempsey. "A burst of ventilation pushes out the stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outdoor air, helping to reduce pollutants and allergens. It also naturally removes lingering odors, leaving your home feeling cleaner and smelling fresher – without relying on fragranced products.”
But in the winter months, there's an added reason to burp your home, and it's one I'd not considered.
Why burping your home is a winter essential
Depending on where you live and the design of your windows and ventilation system, the winter may be a time where you experience condensation and even mold on the inside of windows and around the seals in your home. And according to experts, cracking open the windows is the easiest way to prevent this from spreading.
“Airing out your home offers ample benefits, particularly in the colder months," says Dempsey. "A quick burst of fresh air helps reduce moisture levels, preventing condensation from settling and stopping mold."
Of course, another effective way of tackling condensation is with a dehumidifier, which will suck up excess moisture in the air (often caused when the inside of your house is warmer than the outside) and bring the humidity under control.
The common mistake people often make
According to Dempsey, while house burping is a worthwhile routine, there is a wrong way to do it.
“Make sure to open your shutters and blinds fully during your daily house burp. If they stay closed, cold air can become trapped between the window and the blind, increasing the risk of condensation," he says.
"Opening both the window and the blinds allows proper airflow and helps reduce moisture buildup around the glass."
I'm definitely guilty of this, with a thin curtain that's attached to the top of my window to allow light in while not exposing my messy bedroom to my neighbors. But moving forward, I'll be moving that aside to make the most of the fresh air!
In theory, burping your home sounds like a good idea, you just have to be consistent. But since it’s only for 10 minutes each time, you can easily do this without significantly feeling the cold temperatures outside. Not only will this allow fresh air and better circulation, but will prevent unsightly condensation or mold spores.
I’ll certainly start making it a daily habit to burp my home — and you really should too.
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