Singapore Haze 2026: 7 Practical Tips to Keep Your Home Air Clean

The haze is back in Singapore, and if you've noticed the smoky skies or burning smell lately, you're definitely not alone!

With air quality reaching unhealthy levels in parts of Singapore, many households are looking for ways to keep their homes comfortable and reduce their exposure to haze.

From checking the PSI to choosing the right air purifier, here are 7 practical tips to help you and your family get through Singapore's haze season.

Why Is Singapore Experiencing Haze in 2026?

Singapore has been experiencing haze due to smoke from regional vegetation and forest fires, particularly in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Depending on wind direction and weather conditions, smoke particles can travel across borders and affect Singapore's air quality.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore's 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) was between 118 and 155 on the evening of 12 October 2026, falling within the Unhealthy range.

The haze situation can change throughout the day, so it's important to check the latest readings rather than relying on how hazy the sky looks.

You can monitor Singapore's latest air quality readings at haze.gov.sg.

1. Check Singapore's PSI Before Heading Outdoors

Before leaving home for work, school or your evening jog, take a moment to check Singapore's air quality.

The PSI is used to measure overall air quality, and higher readings indicate greater levels of air pollution.

Here's a quick guide:

If you're planning outdoor activities, pay attention to the 1-hour PM2.5 reading, which is useful for immediate decisions. The 24-hour PSI forecast is more useful when planning activities for the following day.

When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, consider reducing prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, especially if you have young children, elderly family members or anyone with existing heart or lung conditions.

Tip: Bookmark haze.gov.sg or download the myENV app so you can check the latest readings easily.

2. Keep Your Windows and Doors Closed When Air Quality Is Poor

Love opening your windows for fresh air? During haze season, you may want to rethink that habit.

When outdoor air quality is poor, keeping windows and doors closed can help reduce the amount of haze particles entering your home.

This is particularly useful for HDB flats and condominiums with windows facing open areas.

A few simple things you can do:

• Close windows when outdoor air quality is poor.

• Avoid leaving balcony doors open for long periods.

• Check for obvious gaps around windows and doors.

• Use air-conditioning where appropriate to keep your home comfortable.

However, keeping windows closed doesn't mean you should ignore ventilation completely. When outdoor air quality improves, allow suitable ventilation to prevent indoor pollutants from accumulating.

3. Consider Using an Air Purifier With a HEPA Filter

If you've been searching for an air purifier in Singapore, you're not alone!

Air purifiers can help reduce fine particles in enclosed indoor spaces, making them a useful option during haze season.

But before rushing to buy one, it's important to understand what actually matters.

What Should You Look for in an Air Purifier?

HEPA filtration

Look for an air purifier with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter or another highly efficient particle filtration system.

These filters are designed to capture fine airborne particles, including particles associated with haze.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

CADR indicates how quickly an air purifier can deliver filtered air.

For haze, pay particular attention to the smoke CADR rating.

Room size

An air purifier designed for a small bedroom may not be suitable for a large living room.

Always check the manufacturer's recommended room size before purchasing.

Filter replacement costs

Remember that filters need to be maintained and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. Consider these ongoing costs when comparing models.

Do You Really Need an Expensive Air Purifier?

Not necessarily!

A more expensive air purifier isn't automatically better for your home.

What matters most is whether it has effective particle filtration, an appropriate CADR for your room and filters that you can maintain properly.

If you already own an air purifier, check whether the filter needs replacing before purchasing another unit.

4. Avoid Activities That Make Indoor Air Quality Worse

Here's something many people overlook: even when you stay indoors, certain activities can add pollutants to the air.

During haze season, try to minimise activities that generate additional smoke or airborne particles.

These include:

• Smoking indoors

• Burning incense or scented candles

• Using aerosol sprays unnecessarily

• Dry sweeping or dusting that sends particles into the air

Instead, consider wiping surfaces with a damp cloth and mopping floors to reduce the amount of dust becoming airborne.

Small changes to your cleaning routine can help keep your home more comfortable.

5. Stay Hydrated and Pay Attention to Haze-Related Symptoms

Have you been experiencing a dry throat, irritated eyes or an uncomfortable nose?

Haze exposure can cause temporary irritation, particularly when air quality is poor.

One simple habit is to drink enough water throughout the day.

Keeping yourself hydrated supports your overall well-being and may help relieve the discomfort of a dry throat.

However, drinking water does not remove haze particles from your lungs or prevent the effects of air pollution.

If you have asthma or other existing heart or lung conditions, follow your doctor's advice and keep any prescribed medication readily available.

Seek medical attention if you develop concerning symptoms, especially breathing difficulties or worsening respiratory symptoms.

6. Know When You Should Wear an N95 Mask

Should everyone wear an N95 mask whenever Singapore gets hazy?

Not necessarily.

According to Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH), N95 masks are generally not needed for short periods outdoors, such as commuting to work or school, or when staying indoors.

However, a properly fitted N95 mask may help reduce exposure to fine particles for people who must spend prolonged periods outdoors when air quality is hazardous.

People with chronic heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, children and the elderly should pay particular attention to official health advisories.

It's also important to remember that ordinary surgical masks are not designed to provide the same protection against fine haze particles as properly fitted N95 respirators.

Tip: Instead of automatically wearing a mask whenever the sky looks hazy, check the latest NEA and MOH advisories to determine what precautions are appropriate.

7. Move Your Gatherings Indoors When the Haze Gets Bad

Planning a birthday party, family gathering or office celebration?

Haze season doesn't necessarily mean you have to cancel your plans, but you may need to make a few adjustments.

If outdoor air quality is poor, consider choosing an indoor venue where you can better manage your exposure.

Here are a few ideas:

Host a gathering at home

A small birthday celebration or family dinner at home can be a convenient alternative to an outdoor barbecue.

Choose an indoor venue

If you're planning a company event or larger celebration, consider an indoor function room or event space.

Arrange food delivery instead of outdoor cooking

Rather than organising an outdoor barbecue, you could arrange a mini buffet, party set or individually packed meals.

This can also make party preparations easier, especially when you want to minimise time spent outdoors.

For those planning an indoor gathering, FoodLine.sg offers catering options from a wide range of Singapore caterers, including mini buffets, party sets and bento meals.

Remember that indoor venues aren't automatically free from haze particles. Keeping windows closed when necessary and maintaining appropriate indoor air quality remain important.

Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore Haze

What is causing the haze in Singapore in 2026?

Singapore's haze has been linked to smoke from regional fires, including those in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Weather conditions and prevailing winds can carry smoke particles towards Singapore.

Does an air purifier help during haze season?

Yes. An appropriately sized air purifier with effective particle filtration can help reduce fine airborne particles indoors. Look for HEPA filtration and a suitable smoke CADR rating.

Should I open my windows during haze?

When outdoor air quality is poor, keeping windows closed can help reduce haze particles entering your home. Consider ventilating your home when outdoor air quality improves.

Is it safe to exercise outdoors during haze?

It depends on the current air quality, your health and the intensity and duration of exercise. Follow NEA's latest advisories and check the 1-hour PM2.5 readings before immediate outdoor activities.

Do I need to wear an N95 mask during haze?

N95 masks are generally not necessary for short outdoor exposure or indoor activities. They may be useful for prolonged outdoor exposure under hazardous conditions, depending on individual circumstances and official health advice.

Stay Safe and Keep an Eye on Singapore's Air Quality

Singapore's haze situation can change depending on weather conditions, regional fires and wind direction.

While we can't control the haze, we can take practical steps to reduce our exposure and make our indoor spaces more comfortable.

Whether it's checking the PSI before leaving home, maintaining your air purifier or adjusting your weekend plans, a little preparation can make a difference.

For the latest official information, visit:

• National Environment Agency (NEA)

• Singapore Haze Information

• Ministry of Health – Haze Advisory

Last updated: 13 October 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Follow the latest official government advisories, particularly if you have existing health conditions.