We might not give it a second thought, but the air we breathe as we walk around our homes can be full of pollutants – they’re unlikely to cause us too much of an issue, but it’s reassuring to know we’re taking in clean, healthy air as much as possible, especially if you or a relative has trouble breathing.
Our home improvement experts Anglian have written this great blog on greener ways of purifying the air in your home.
English ivy
Plants are known to have air purifying properties, so having them around the house is a simple way to get cleaner air, as well as brighten up your home. English ivy is usually associated with being an outdoor climbing plant, but it can be brought indoors as well, and is particularly good for air purifying as it reduces the amount of benzene in the air.
Benzene is produced by inks, rubbers, detergents, paints and plastics, all of which are typically found around the house. If you want something a little more temporary than a house plant, peace lilies and chrysanthemums are also good for absorbing benzene.
Beeswax candles
While having candles around the house can be lovely, they do release pollutants into the air – this is where beeswax candles can help. Most ordinary candles are made using petroleum and paraffin, whereas beeswax candles burn with little to no scent or smoke.
People suffering from allergies or asthma have noted that beeswax candles can help alleviate their symptoms, although the candle’s purity is important.
Spider plants
If you or a family member is a smoker, spider plants are excellent for helping combat the formaldehyde released by cigarette smoke, as well as other common household items like plywood and grocery bags. Other plants that can help with this include bamboo palms, azaleas and mother-in-law’s tongue.
Research by NASA has found that certain houseplants can remove as much as 87% of indoor pollutants within 24 hours. They recommend having one potted plant of a particular type per 100 square feet.
Bamboo charcoal
Charcoal might not immediately spring to mind as something that purifies, but it does, and is often used in filters to purify water. It can also be used to purify the air – bamboo charcoal specifically is a top agent for cleaner air.
You can find decorative bags – similar to potpourri bags, but without the flowers! – filled with charcoal that are said to remove bacteria and allergens in the air as well as remove odours and moisture that cause mould and mildew. To rejuvenate it, all you need to do is leave the bag in the sun once a month.
It’s always best to consult a doctor if you or a loved one is having trouble breathing, but if it’s just a fresher home you’re after, these easy-to-use tips should do the trick.
Visit the Norfolk home page to scroll through a selection of blogs written by experts and friends on a wide range of interesting subjects relating to caring for an elderly parent or relative.
If you have any useful information or advice you’d like to share, please do get in touch or pop over to our forum for a chat with people going through similar experiences.
