Open Your Windows Even When It’s Raining: A Simple Habit for a Healthier Apartment

When you’re living in Milan—often sharing an apartment, studying long hours, cooking at home, and running between classes—indoor air quality can change faster than you think. Here’s a surprisingly effective habit that helps your comfort, focus, and the condition of the apartment: airing out the rooms even when it’s raining.

Many people assume rainy weather means “keep the windows closed.” In reality, a short window opening during light or moderate rain can help refresh the apartment and reduce the buildup of humidity, smells, and stale air.

Myth: “When it rains, you can’t open the windows”

Rainy days often come with cleaner outdoor air than you’d expect. Rain helps bring dust and particles down, and the air outside can feel fresher. If the apartment has been closed for hours (or all night), indoor air may actually be more “loaded” than the air outside.

That’s why a quick air change—just a few minutes—can make a noticeable difference.

Why this matters in student apartments

In student apartments—especially shared ones—indoor air can get stale quickly because of everyday activities like cooking, showering, studying for hours in the same room, and drying laundry indoors.

When air stays trapped inside, you may notice issues such as lingering smells, stuffiness, higher humidity (which can encourage dampness), and even reduced concentration during study time.

How to do it right (simple and safe)

Choose short openings, more often. A quick air change is usually better than leaving windows open for a long time, especially in colder months.

10–15 minutes is enough. Opening a window in the morning and again in the evening is a great routine for most apartments.

If it’s raining heavily, open slightly. Use a small opening (or a tilt/vasistas position, if available) to let air circulate without letting rain in.

After showers or cooking, ventilate. This is the best moment to reduce humidity and prevent dampness in kitchens and bathrooms.

A quick routine you can follow

If you want something easy to remember, try this: open one or two windows for a short time in the morning, and again in the evening. Add an extra quick opening after cooking or a hot shower. That’s it.

In short

Opening the windows when it rains isn’t a mistake—it can be a smart habit. Even a brief ventilation helps refresh the air, reduce humidity, and keep the apartment more comfortable and healthy. Your future self (and your apartment) will thank you.

Tip from Rental Milan: if you ever notice persistent humidity, condensation on windows, or musty smells, start by improving ventilation. It’s the simplest first step—and often the most effective.