Ever wondered if the humble hemp plant could be your next clean-air ally at home?
If you've read even a tiny bit of the content I love to write, you'll know I'm slightly obsessed with hemp. Okay, maybe "slightly" is an understatement—I'm fully on board the hemp hype train. But lately, I’ve been curious about something specific: can hemp fibres actually improve indoor air quality? Turns out, they genuinely can. And no, this isn't me just fanboying hemp again (although, fair enough if you suspect it).
Hemp fibres and cleaner air at home
I’ve always been pretty vocal about how great hemp is for bed linen—it’s breathable, naturally antimicrobial, and even regulates temperature. But recently, I stumbled upon something that made me double-take. Hemp fibres, particularly when used as insulation or fabrics, don’t just feel good; they actively help improve your indoor air quality. Yep, the air you're breathing right now while reading this article might just thank you if you have a bit of hemp around.
What got me thinking was when I was checking out insulation options—because, hey, hemp sheets are amazing, but why stop there?—I came across discussions about hemp insulation. People were raving about how hemp insulation is non-toxic, resists mould and mildew, and is even naturally fire-resistant. And here's the kicker: hemp doesn’t off-gas harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), something synthetic insulation does constantly (check out this breakdown on hemp insulation here).
Show Product carousel here: [collection-carousel="full-sets"]
Keeping it mould-free with hemp fibres
One thing I love to rant about is mould. Not because I’m particularly into fungi, but because mouldy bedrooms are gross. They’re also unhealthy. With Australia’s humid climate, especially up in Queensland or down in Tassie, mould is a real, and irritating, threat. Hemp insulation or bedding tackles this directly—it’s naturally mould-resistant. Basically, mould spores see hemp fibres and think, "Nah, not today mate."
Here's a good scientific dive if you want to nerd out a bit more (check this study out).
Breathing easy with less nasty stuff around
The science-y explanation (which I’m going to massively simplify because, let's be real, I’m not a scientist) is that hemp fibres absorb moisture without holding onto it. This stops mould and bacteria from thriving. It also makes your home smell nicer, a bonus I appreciate since I have two dogs who think mud is cologne.
Show Product carousel here: [collection-carousel="sheet-set"]
Why hemp insulation got my attention
I first thought about hemp insulation after seeing a few mates chatting about it online. They pointed out how well it performs acoustically, too—perfect if you’ve got noisy neighbours or if you just like blasting AC/DC at midnight without judgment. Plus, hemp insulation can help regulate indoor temperatures, which means it stays cooler in the heatwaves and warmer during chilly winter evenings. So yeah, it's a bit like our beloved hemp sheets but in wall form. Brilliant.
Better air with fewer toxins
Another big point that made me a hemp convert—apart from literally everything else I’ve said—is that it doesn’t release nasty chemicals into your home environment. Ever smelled something weird from synthetic sheets or furniture? That’s off-gassing, and it's pretty rubbish for your health. Hemp doesn't have that problem, making it an ideal solution for bedrooms or nurseries (here’s another good article on the topic).
Link Out To: Building a greener future—Iceland's first hempcrete home
Show Product carousel here: [collection-carousel="pillowcases"]
Making small choices count
I reckon most of us think of air pollution as something outside—car exhaust, factory fumes, maybe your neighbour’s dodgy barbecue skills. But indoor air pollution is surprisingly common, especially given how much time Aussies spend inside escaping the scorching sun. Simple choices like opting for hemp products really do make a difference. It might sound like a small choice, but if it means breathing easier and sleeping better—well, that’s bloody massive to me.
And let’s face it, being eco-friendly shouldn't be complicated or expensive. It should feel good, natural, and dare I say, comfortable. I mean, it's no coincidence I got into the hemp bedding business. If you want to learn more, or just chat about how hemp can fit into your home (or life!), don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always down for a yarn.
So, if you haven't yet, give hemp a crack. Your lungs—and your bedroom—might just thank you.
Love,
Oscar from Jo Dope
