The air in your home can easily become contaminated with irritants such as pollen, dust, mold spores, and pet dander. These irritants can be particularly harmful if you have an allergy and asthma. Luckily, there are a few ways to naturally purify the air in your home to keep it healthy.
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How to Naturally Purify The Air In Your Home
1. Houseplants
Growing plants in your home could help to purify the air. While plants aren’t as effective at removing large particles like dust, they can be effective at getting rid of microscopic toxins like VOCs. Plants also produce oxygen, helping to make the air in your home fresher.
Plants can neutralize odors while releasing fresh, natural scents. Some houseplants are more effective at purifying the air than others – check out this list of air purifying plants for some good examples.
2. HEPA Filters
Most standard air purifiers work by sucking in air and trapping particles in a filter known as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. After the contaminants have been removed by the filter, clean air is then pumped back out. You’ll have to regularly replace these filters once they get dirty. You can find these filters in tabletop devices, floor-standing devices, and even in some HVAC systems.
3. Ultraviolet light
UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light to remove harmful pathogens from the air. They are effective at neutralizing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. So, if you want to prevent the spread of illness or tackle a mold problem, a UV air purifier could be a great solution. You can buy these air purifiers as standalone devices, but they can sometimes be incorporated into HVAC systems.
4. Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a good solution against smoke and bad odors. Unlike many air fresheners that cover up smells, activated carbon is scentless and simply works by neutralizing these smells.
You can buy activated carbon bags containing bamboo charcoal to place around your home. They are particularly effective for removing smells from enclosed areas like a musty shoe cupboard or a smelly fridge. Activated carbon is sometimes incorporated into electric purifier devices with HEPA filters, helping to remove particles and remove odors.
5. Electrostatic precipitators
Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are another form of air purifier worth looking into. These devices use an electrostatic charge that causes solid particles like dust and pollen to get stuck to a metal plate inside the device. It’s a bit like how your hair might get stuck to a static balloon.
The metal plate (known as an electrode) traps the particles while activated. Once you turn the ESP off, these particles fall off into a collection filter, which can be emptied or replaced. ESPs are effective at removing just about anything from dust to bacteria but are less effective at reducing odors.
Humidifiers For Your Health And Home
You can also consider adding humidifiers to your home so that you can breathe better. Check out this infographic to learn more.
Infographic Provided by American Residential Services
Naturally Purify The Air In Your Home
By working to naturally purify the air in your home, you will make the air healthier for you and your family. Eliminate harmful particles from the air by trying these methods. If you have a way that works to naturally purify the air in your home, leave a comment and tell me about it!
