It’s important to have healthy indoor air quality, especially during this time of social distancing when many Americans are spending a lot of time indoors. There are many ways you can maintain your indoor air quality such as ventilation, changing your air filter, reducing humidity and surprisingly, using house plants. Yes, you read correctly; house plants can remove carbon dioxide from the air and can even remove other pollutants from water. However, the research for this is not well established according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to that, the soil from houseplants can increase the moisture content in indoor air, so it’s important to cover it with rocks and stones. If you keep this information in mind, there’s no harm in experimenting with these various plants that have known to help indoor air quality.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera can be used for treating sunburn, keeping your skin clear and even be used as an alternative to mouth wash. When it comes to your indoor air quality, some sources say it can clean the air of formaldehyde which can be released by cleaners and paints. You can find Aloe Vera plants at your local home improvement store or nursery.
2. Pothos
Pothos is another plant that can reduce the content of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from your home. Carbon monoxide can be released from gas stoves, fires, gas-powered water heaters etc. and can lead to headaches and dizziness and excess exposure can be fatal. Pothos is an easy plant to take care of given that it can do well in low light and only needs to be watered once a week.
3. Spider Plant
Spider Plant is another plant that is easy to care for and can even reduce benzene in your home. Benzene is often found in products such as glues, detergents, rubbers, dyes and pesticides. Spider Plant can thrive in indirect lighting and with slightly dried soil.
Should You Rely on Plants for Better Indoor Air Quality?
Houseplants may be fun, but they aren’t reliable when it comes to bettering your indoor air quality. If you truly want to improve your indoor air quality, you must rely on methods that have been proven to work. Here are some effective methods to improve your indoor air quality:
- Ventilation
Use the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom often. This can reduce humidity (an excess of which can lead to mold growth) as well as reduce other allergens and toxins in your home. In addition to using fans, open your windows occasionally to let a little bit of fresh air in and indoor air out.
- Change Your Air Filter
A well-functioning air filter can be better for your indoor air quality as well as your energy bill. By changing your air filter, you can reduce energy consumption by 5 to 15%.
- Clean Your Home Often
Be sure to thoroughly dust, vacuum and mop your home on a weekly basis. This will ensure your home has lesser dust mites, dander, mold spores and other allergens.