When it comes to creating a healthy, welcoming home, indoor air quality is often overlooked. But according to the EPA, the air inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. According to Nasa’s Clean Air Study, some plants can make indoor air up to 87% cleaner in 24 hours. That’s pretty crazy. Here are 10 to start with.
Whether you’re living in your forever home or planning to sell in the future, clean indoor air is something everyone should care about.
1. Pothos (Golden Ivy)
Pothos is a popular starter plant, and for good reason. It is low-maintenance, grows quickly, and helps clean the air of formaldehyde, a common chemical found in insulation, flooring, and adhesives.
This vine-style plant thrives in low light and doesn’t need frequent watering. If you’re preparing a home for sale, pothos can add life to a space without needing much attention. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of pets, as it can be toxic if ingested.
2. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are known for removing a range of household toxins, including ammonia and benzene. They also increase humidity, which can be helpful in homes with dry air.
This plant blooms indoors and makes a strong visual impression. It is a good fit for staging or simply adding elegance to your home. Keep in mind that peace lilies are not safe for pets and do best in indirect light.
3. Rubber Plant
Rubber plants are bold and attractive, and their large leaves absorb more pollutants than smaller-leaf varieties. They are especially good at removing formaldehyde and may help reduce airborne mold spores over time.
They prefer bright, indirect light and only need watering when the soil feels dry. A healthy rubber plant can make a statement in a living room or entryway, which is helpful if you’re trying to create a great first impression during a showing.
4. Boston Fern
If your home has dry air or poor circulation, Boston ferns are a strong choice. They act as natural humidifiers and are effective at removing xylene and toluene, two chemicals often released from paints and cleaners.
These plants require a bit more care, including regular misting, but they do well in bathrooms or laundry rooms. For buyers who prioritize wellness and air quality, a healthy fern adds both value and comfort.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is easy to grow and has a practical side beyond air cleaning. Its gel is useful for treating cuts and burns, and it filters out benzene and formaldehyde from cleaners and treated surfaces.
It prefers bright light and infrequent watering. This plant works well on kitchen counters or sunlit shelves and adds a fresh, functional touch to the home.
6. Areca Palm
The Areca palm is a favorite among real estate stagers because it looks full and tropical, but it is also one of the best air-purifying plants. It removes benzene and carbon monoxide and adds humidity to the air.
These palms are safe for pets, grow well in bright but indirect light, and make any space feel more inviting. They are perfect for living rooms, entryways, or sunrooms.
7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are one of the few indoor plants that continue to release oxygen at night, which makes them ideal for bedrooms. They also remove a wide variety of toxins including nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde.
This plant is incredibly easy to care for. It thrives on neglect, grows well in low light, and only needs occasional watering. If you’re listing a home, a snake plant adds greenery without requiring much upkeep between showings.
8. Spider Plant
Spider plants are fast-growing, kid-safe, and pet-safe. They remove carbon monoxide and formaldehyde and are known to improve overall air freshness.
They grow well in hanging baskets or tabletop planters and can tolerate a bit of neglect. Their bright green leaves and baby “spiders” are fun and eye-catching, which can help soften more modern interiors.
9. Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is compact but powerful. It removes formaldehyde and benzene and also helps regulate indoor humidity levels.
It does well in medium light and can be placed in corners or near windows without needing constant care. In homes with limited airflow, this palm can make a noticeable difference in comfort.
10. English Ivy
English ivy is known for reducing airborne mold particles and allergens. It also removes formaldehyde and can help freshen stale indoor air, especially in older homes or spaces with limited ventilation.
It looks great in hanging baskets or trailing along a shelf. It prefers regular watering and good airflow to prevent mildew buildup on its leaves.
Other Maintenance Tips for Cleaner Air
While plants can help keep indoor air good and clean, they are just one piece of a larger strategy. To keep your home’s air fresh and safe:
- Replace HVAC filters every 1 to 3 months
- Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering
- Avoid synthetic air fresheners that can add VOCs
- Dust plant leaves monthly to keep them working properly
- Keep an eye out for visible mold, condensation, or water stains
Taking care of your air also protects your property. Poor indoor air can signal hidden issues like moisture intrusion or mold, which can hurt your home’s value if left unaddressed.
When to Call a Professional
If your home still smells stale or feels overly humid despite adding air-cleaning plants, there could be a bigger problem. Moisture buildup, hidden mold, or poor ventilation can all impact your air and your home’s structure.
Avalon Home Inspections helps identify those problems. We inspect crawlspaces, attics, insulation, windows, HVAC systems, and other key areas that affect air quality and home health.
Whether you’re staying long term or preparing to sell, catching these issues early protects your investment and gives you a clearer picture of your home’s condition.
If you’re noticing allergy symptoms, persistent musty smells, or unexplained moisture, it’s time to take a closer look.
Conclusion
Adding good indoor plants to clean the air is a great step toward a healthier, more comfortable home. These natural filters help reduce everyday pollutants and improve the feel of your space. Whether you’re planning to sell, just moved in, or have lived in your home for years, clean air matters.
But plants can’t fix everything. If you’re dealing with recurring odors, moisture problems, or concerns about your home’s overall condition, Avalon Home Inspections is here to help you uncover the source and make informed decisions.
Want confidence in your home’s health? Book your inspection with Avalon today.
