7 Best Houseplants for Cleaner Indoor Air
Published on Jul 11, 2018 | Updated - Sep 18, 2025
Did you know indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air?
We spend a lot of time indoors, and with limited fresh air circulating, it's crucial to keep our indoor air clean!
Common culprits of indoor air pollution include building materials, oven gases, cleaning products, and new furniture. These can release toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which may impact our health.
But don’t worry! You can fight indoor air pollution by bringing nature inside with houseplants!
TL;DR:
Quick Summary – Clean Air with Houseplants
- Problem: Indoor air can get stuffy and up to 100× more polluted in winter.
- Plants: Try aloe, peace lily, spider plant, ivy or snake plant to freshen the air.
- Benefits: Help reduce mould, damp smells + lift your mood.
- Care: Wipe leaves, don’t overwater, check plants are safe for pets.
- Extra tip: Clean carpets + air-con to help remove hidden dust and germs.
Want cleaner air? Call Electrodry on 13 27 13 for expert advice.
Top 10 Best Air-Purifying Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are effective air purifiers, catching toxins and replacing them with cleaner oxygen for you to breathe! Additionally, plants are known to improve mood and productivity while also reducing stress and fatigue.
Here are the top 10 best indoor plants to have at home, especially when you're always indoors during the cold:
1. Spider Plants
Spider plants are a favourite among homeowners for a reason. Tough as nails and easy to maintain, they can survive neglect and reproduce quickly. NASA found that spider plants effectively remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. They also absorb mould and allergens, improving indoor air quality.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera isn't just for soothing cuts and burns—it's also a top-notch air pollutant catcher, eliminating toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Plus, it adds a touch of aesthetic charm to any space!
3. Devil’s Ivy (Golden Pothos)
Nearly indestructible, this resilient plant thrives in diverse conditions. It's a powerhouse at removing formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Perfect for bathrooms, but keep it away from pets—it's toxic to them. This is also NASA-approved!
4. English Ivy
English Ivy, often seen outdoors, is an excellent indoor choice for removing benzene and formaldehyde toxins. It also captures airborne particles like fecal matter and mould spores. However, its leaves and berries are poisonous, so be sure to keep it safely out of reach of pets and children.
5. Areca Palms
The areca palm is ideal for larger spaces. This nontoxic plant effectively removes carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and other pollutants. Its tropical appearance also adds a serene touch to any room.
6. Peace Lilies
Peace lilies, like Devil's Ivy, have NASA's seal of approval for their ability to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia. Ideal for damp areas like bathrooms, they also trap mould spores. Providing adequate light allows striking white flowers to bloom, which absorb harmful vapours from alcohol and acetone.
Caution: Peace lilies are toxic to cats, dogs, and children, so be sure to keep them out of reach!
7. Boston Ferns
Another ideal plant for humid bathrooms is the Boston fern. These thick ferns filter out irritating toxins such as xylene and formaldehyde.
8. Snake Plants
Snake plants not only add beauty to your indoor space but also excel at absorbing toxic air pollutants—some of which are known to be cancer-causing. These include CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene, and toluene. Plus, they help clear airborne allergens like dust and dander by enhancing moisture levels in the air!
9. Flamingo Lilies
This exotic flowering plant adds a touch of elegance to coffee tables. A daily misting helps prolong its blooms. It's effective against formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and ammonia.
10. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, prized for their beautiful flowers often featured in bouquets and special occasions, also serve medicinal purposes and are culinary delights. They rank as the top air-purifying plant, effectively removing benzene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and ammonia. And did I mention they're stunning to behold?
Clean Air Strategies Beyond Indoor Plants
While indoor plants are effective for air purification, maintaining a clean home is crucial for minimizing harmful bacteria and pollutants. Items like air conditioners and carpets significantly impact your home's air quality. Carpets act as filters, trapping airborne contaminants, but they need regular cleaning to remain effective—after all, any filter can get clogged! Similarly, your air conditioner won't work efficiently if it's filled with debris.
Contact Electrodry on 13 27 13 to explore optimal solutions for cleaner air in your home.
