Not only are electric air cleaners unpleasant to look at, they also make noise and add considerably to the electricity bill. Instead, plants do none of these things, but naturally soak up chemicals and polluted air inside the home, replacing it with oxygen and balancing the humidity.

There is no need to spend money on expensive plant varieties, as neighbours and friends will often have plants from which cuttings can be taken. The care for these plants is also simple, especially when you have a routine for watering established.

Ideally, there should be one plant to every one hundred square feet to fully benefit and rebalance the inside environment. Some soil microbes are known to feed on formaldehyde, given off by furniture and carpets.

Some of the most recommended varieties of houseplants are listed below:
Spider plants absorb carbon monoxide, and other fumes emitted from oils and gasoline, and are a well known oxygenators.
Ivy plants are also highly oxygenating, and can offset the amount of benzene which is emitted from gas hobs and some paints.
Chrysanthemum flowers absorb many of the common chemicals emitted from paint, plastics, varnishes and carpets.
Azaleas absorb chemicals emitted by foam in insulation, furniture and upholstery.