Does Cleaning Your Air With Plants Work?

The unfortunate answer to this question is no. Although plants have proven benefits inside your home and release oxygen during photosynthesis, they do not clean your air as popularly believed. The original belief was established in 1989 when NASA conducted a study that surmised that plants could rid the air of volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene.

Many people and sources use this research to claim that placing at least two large plants for every 100 square feet in your home can help clean your air. However, subsequent scientific research cannot prove this theory, and many scientists estimate that you need about 1,000 plants in a 10-by-10-foot space to have the equivalent of a typical ventilation system’s air-exchange rate.

The NASA study proved that plants impact a space if the environment is airtight, like a laboratory test area or a sealed aircraft. The same is not true for homes, which always have some form of air movement and ventilation, no matter the size.

Based on the NASA 1989 study, certain plants got the reputation of being air-purifying plants, like the:

Boston fern

Golden pothos

Bird’s nest fern

Areca palm

Bamboo palm

Butterfly palm

Spider plant (also known as hen and chickens or ribbon plant)

Dragon plant

English ivy

Money plant

Weeping fig

Snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue

Aloe vera

Peace lily

Chrysanthemums

Plants may not purify indoor air, but they have additional benefits that make introducing them to your home worth it. House plants can improve stress and make people happier. Being surrounded by and taking care of them has therapeutic qualities, and their color and texture add aesthetic value to your home. As a result, plants are a worthy addition to any room.

Plants may not have the cleaning properties you hoped for, but we sure do. Let us make cleaning your house a breeze! Maid Bright has been successfully cleaning homes since 2004. Our services include a free in-home consultation and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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