I come across countless people these days who want to cleanse their air naturally.
While there’s not much that can beat a high-quality air purifier in terms of air purification, there are several ways to naturally cleanse the air in your home.
My wife loves spending all of our money on houseplants, and she always uses the excuse that they will help cleanse our air. Of course, she’s right, so I can’t get mad.
Below, let’s dive a little deeper into the natural air purification methods so you can naturally purify the air in your home.
9 Natural Ways to Purify Your Air at Home
1. Indoor Plants
My wife loves houseplants because of the way they look. I love them because they can purify and rejuvenate air by absorbing carbon dioxide. Indoor plants act as natural air filters to absorb pollution and release fresh oxygen.
Adding houseplants to your living space can be an effective way to reduce symptoms if you have respiratory issues. You’ll need at least one plant per 100 square feet of home for efficient air cleaning.
Indoor plants you can get to improve your air include:
- monstera deliciosa (swiss cheese plant)
- bromeliad
- anthurium andraeanum (pictured)
- lady palm
- Epipremnum aureum (Devil’s Ivy)
2. Proper Ventilation
Another natural air purifier is proper ventilation. Proper ventilation is more than opening windows because an open window actually allows more pollutants and allergens in.
Instead, consider a trickle vent that cycles cleaner air into your home. Exhaust fans actively carry polluted air outside, which is great in the kitchen which typically has the highest level of air pollutants.
3. Crystal Salt Lamp
Salt lamps actively pull in the air around them and neutralize it. A salt lamp is a natural ionic air purifier particularly useful when it comes to increasing your productivity.
Salt lamp users generally report feeling more creative or alert, with more clean oxygen getting into their systems. And, it’s perfect for nighttime use because the natural orange glow won’t disrupt sleep hormones.
4. Beeswax Candles
My wife also likes candles, so I’ve convinced her to use beeswax candles instead of paraffin candles. Paraffin candles can release contaminants while burning. However, pure beeswax candles burn slower, burn with almost no smoke or added scent, and won’t release unburnt toxins into the air.
Beeswax candles have a natural honey scent and don’t contain perfumes or fragrances that could pollute the air. Additionally, beeswax neutralizes contaminants, reducing pollution indoors.
5. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is used in many modern air purifiers. It’s a highly porous substance that absorbs toxins in the air, making it an effective natural air purifier.
Unlike regular charcoal, it is odorless and doesn’t release harmful chemicals. Its tiny pores trap impurities in the air, leaving it cleaner and fresher. Once the pores are full, the activated charcoal becomes inactive and needs to be reactivated.
To reactivate the charcoal, leave it outside for an hour each month to release the trapped toxins and impurities, making it ready for use again. Regular maintenance ensures your activated charcoal effectively purifies the air in your home, providing you with cleaner, healthier air to breathe. Bamboo charcoal also helps purify the air.
6. Essential Oils
Essential oils are clinically shown to kill airborne bacteria with a 99.96% success rate. Effective oils include:
- Lemon
- Tea tree
- Clove
- Pine needles
Simply add them to detergents or soap around your home, and they release through the air for natural purification. Essential oil diffusers are also great natural air fresheners.
7. Purifying Curtains
Purifying curtains have mineral coatings on their fibers that activate through light, helping you save on electricity.
These curtains actively break down pollutants and don’t need replacing. Combining them with blinds is a practical and attractive way to purify your home’s air.
8. Purifying Ceiling Fans
An existing ceiling fan or installing a new one is an excellent option for air purification.
A purifying ceiling fan can be attached to your current fan with nothing but a screwdriver. Purifying fans send the air through filters, and cleaner air is released back into the room.
9. Keep a Clean Home
Keeping a clean home is crucial for maintaining clean and healthy air. Dust, pet dander, and other allergens will quickly accumulate in living spaces and cause respiratory issues if they aren’t kept clean.
Vacuuming regularly with a HEPA filter and wet dusting can effectively remove irritants. Wood or tile flooring instead of carpets or rugs can also prevent dust and allergens from accumulating. Dusting and wiping down surfaces, including furniture and appliances, is essential to avoid the accumulation of pollutants.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is produced when gases are burned and can seep into our homes if there is insufficient ventilation in the area. This gas is both odorless and colorless and can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, and confusion. In high concentrations, carbon monoxide can even be deadly. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, it’s crucial to contact a professional right away.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant that can be released from various household items like plywood, foam insulation, drapes, fabrics, and wallpaper. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and it tends to increase in rooms with high humidity levels. See air purifiers for Formaldehyde here.
Radon
Found everywhere, radon is formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It seeps through cracks in your foundation and your walls and is released into your air. High levels increase the risk of lung cancer. All homes must be tested for high levels of radon.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as regular smoking. It causes irritation and can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer or bronchitis. Quitting is the best method of removal from your home. A separate smoking area is also effective but still carries a risk.
Mold
A natural allergen, mold spores attach to damp areas indoors and grow under humid and moist conditions. Mold gradually destroys an object it grows on. It can cause headaches, cough, or eye irritation, and can even trigger an asthma attack.
Lead
Lead was banned in 1978, which means it is typically found in older homes. If the paint chips or is disturbed, lead can be released, which is hazardous to health. Exposure to lead can lead to severe health consequences such as brain damage, anemia, and kidney damage.
Asbestos
Although asbestos has also been banned from homes like many other toxic chemicals, it remains a common issue. When disturbed on walls or roofing, it can release into the air and pose a severe health risk. The effects may not be immediately apparent and can take years to develop into diseases.
Why Clean Indoor Air is Important?
Having clean indoor air is crucial to living a healthy lifestyle. We often associate pollution with outdoor air, so many people don’t realize that the air inside our homes can be five times more polluted than outside.
Breathing in contaminated air can lead to various health issues like nasal and throat irritation, eye soreness, headaches, and fatigue.
Fortunately, we can purify indoor air quality with indoor air purification. By using the natural methods above and investing in air purifiers, we can create a comfortable living environment that benefits our overall health and well-being.
Benefits of Using Natural Way Air Purifiers
No Electricity Usage
Purifying our air with a dehumidifier or a cheap electric air purifier can ramp up our electricity bills. Using natural, simpler ways reduces the need to spend extra money and cleans the air all in one!
Reduces Moisture levels
Moisture is the leading cause of mold spores and mildew buildup. Natural purification eliminates a higher level of moisture, and natural plant air purifiers absorb moisture, giving us fresher, more breathable air from the comfort of our own home.
Learn more about air purifiers and mold here.
Removes Bacteria, Pollutants & Allergens
The air we breathe contains irritants like allergens and bacteria that can trigger coughing and sneezing or even cause infections. Everyday objects like gas stoves can also contribute to long-term health issues through pollution. Cooking just one meal on a gas stove can produce levels of nitrogen dioxide the EPA considers unsafe to breathe.
Natural purification can give us ease of mind as they clean the air we breathe every day. Alternatively, get yourself an air purifier built for dealing with allergies.
FAQs
How can I test the air quality in my home?
You can test the air in your home by purchasing a monitor. An air quality monitor or carbon monoxide monitor can test your air quality, or you can record your health symptoms over a few weeks. You can always call an air quality professional.
How can I prevent air pollution inside the home?
To prevent air pollution inside your home, there are several steps you can take. The best thing to do is avoid the use of toxic chemicals. Also, say no to dry dusting that can spread dust mites! You can also use the natural steps above to purify your air or purchase an indoor air purifier with a HEPA air filter.
How can I test the air quality in my house for mold?
To test the air quality in your house for mold, you should contact a mold specialist to check if there is a higher concentration of spores.
Which essential oils kill mold and other bacteria?
Several essential oils may kill mold and other bacteria. Cinnamon, thyme, clove, and tea tree oils all have antifungal attributes that can disinfect mold and remove the musty smell accompanying it.
What is the best thing to absorb odor?
The best thing to absorb odor depends on the specific situation and type of odor. Some effective options include activated charcoal, baking soda, white vinegar, and air purifiers with HEPA filters.
Conclusion
I stand by the fact that natural air purifiers play an essential role in promoting a healthy living environment.
The natural purifiers we’ve discussed are useful on their own, but when combined with modern air purifiers, they become even more effective at cleaning the air in your home, allowing you to breathe easily.
So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to get another houseplant or salt lamp, this is it.
