How to Clean Your Home’s Air Naturally

Did you know? According to the EPA, the air inside your home is most likely 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. In some cases, these levels can exceed 100 times that of outdoor levels of the same pollutants! Residue from cleaning products, aerosols from household items and building materials, bacteria and spores from moisture and mold, and a host of other items, can cause a variety of health problems, from mild to more serious. As the weather gets cooler, and we are inside more often with less ventilation, it’s a good idea to look for ways to improve your air’s quality!

Thankfully, there are many ways to naturally clean the air. Here are some of our favourites:

1. Many plant varieties are very easy to care for and can greatly improve air quality. Some of the most resilient which are also known for their ability to detoxify indoor spaces are:
   • Sansevieria (snake plant)
     • This plant should never be overwatered (allow soil to dry between watering; plant in a pot with drainage). Snake plants do well in all levels of light and are great for dimmer spaces like bedrooms or basements. They release oxygen at night, helping you to breathe better while sleeping, and are considered one of the best plants for filtering toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
   • Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen)
     • This plant does best with high moisture and low light, making it a great fit for the bathroom. In less humid environments, mist the leaves occasionally to prevent browning. Do not over or under-water; soil should be moderately moist when watered and allowed to dry a bit in between.
   • English ivy
     • This plant likes a few hours of direct sunlight each day and should be watered regularly. It reduces mould and airborne fecal particles in the air. It is a vine and can be trained to climb around windows as it grows, trained on stakes, or simply allowed to hang down. Ivy should be fertilized regularly for the healthiest plants.
   • Spider plant
     • This plant is known for its resilience and is great for beginners. It will thrive in all light levels. It is known for reducing levels of carbon monizide and xylene. This is one of the few houseplants that is non-toxic to animals (for those with pets who like to eat them!)

2. Beeswax candles. Parrafin candles are petroleum-derived and release toxins into the air. Beeswax candles, however, neutralize toxins and contaminants, including common allergens. Burning them can be helpful to asthmatics, and those with allergies to things like mould spores, pollen, and dust.

3. Activated charcoal. Charcoal absorbs toxins and can remove odours from the air as well. Charcoal briquettes can be used (NOT barbecue charcoal, as it has been chemically treated), or any other form of activated charcoal. To use, simply place the charcoal in a porous or open container, such as a cloth bag, or basket, and place in the area you would like to treat.

4. Essential oils. These are readily available in grocery and health food stores, and many varieties are excellent air purifiers. They kill viruses, mould, bacteria and fungi. Oils are most effective when used in a diffuser, added to water or alcohol to use as a spray. NOTE: Be sure to do your research! Make sure the oils you are using are pure and natural, and not dangerous to any pets you may have. Never use tea tree, evergreen (pine, juniper, etc.) or citrus (lemon, grapefruit, etc.) essential oils near pets. Pet-safe purifying oils include lavender, cleary sage, lemongrass (a grass, not a citrus fruit!), frankincense, and peppermint.