Few people are aware of the fact that poor indoor air quality is among one of the top five risks to public health, which is essentially a result of our much-loved home products that contain toxic chemical filling our spaces and our lungs. From air fresheners to vinyl flooring, we expose ourselves to harmful products every single day. They have certainly become a big part of our lives, so if you’d like to keep using these products without having to leave every single window and door in the house open, adopt a few of the air detoxifying plants we have listed below.

Aloe Vera

Widely known as a remedy for sunburn, the aloe also acts as a fantastic air purifier. Aloes actually absorb the harmful chemicals that come from cleaning products and will then warn you if levels are high by developing brown spots.

Purple Waffle Plant

Said to be one of the best detoxifiers in the indoor plant family, the Purple Waffle plant is a low-maintenance spreading plant that can act as a wonderful groundcover in a terrarium – not to mention, it’s showy and beautiful!

Areca Palm

NASA (that’s right, NASA) has rated the Areca palm as being in the top 10 for the highest removal rate for formaldehyde, which is a chemical that is often found in carpeting. It pumps out a large amount of oxygen and will restore moisture to dry winter air just about as well as an electric humidifier can.

Peace Lily

Another plant that helps remove formaldehyde, the Peace Lily also helps remove trichloroethylene, which is found in plastics, the benzene found in paints and xylene, which is found in adhesives. Be sure to keep them away from pets though, as they may be less toxic for us, but they will pack a toxic punch when consumed.

Rubber Plant

Rubber plants have thick, dark green leaves that essentially aid in filtering benzene, formaldehyde and ammonia from the air in your living spaces, all the while adding great aesthetic appeal. This plant is rather demanding as it requires plenty of light and water.

Mother-In-Law’s Tongue

While the Areca palm produces a lot of oxygen during the day, this plant completes the cycle and produces loads of oxygen at night – making this a sound choice for your bedroom. What’s more, those lacking a green thumb will be pleased to know that a Mother-In-Law’s Tongue can withstand almost every environmental condition.

Golden Pothos

A fast-growing and attractive vine, the Golden Pothos absorbs a number of chemicals, including formaldehyde, xylene and benzene. Placing one of these in or near your garage is a great idea, as the engine exhaust stands as the primary source of formaldehyde in your home.

English Ivy

Typically grown as a hanging plant, the English Ivy is a glossy plant that removes benzene from the air that will also climb up walls or beams. This plant also helps reduce airborne faecal matter particles.