Breathe easy this festive season with the best house plants, homemade fresheners

You can significantly improve indoor air with simple, natural solutions like houseplants and homemade fresheners (Images: Canva)

You open a window, but even the outdoor air seems to bring in more pollutants. Breathing becomes a challenge, especially when construction work is happening nearby, leaving you gasping for clean, fresh air. The festive season is here, and with it comes a flurry of activity, deep cleaning, house renovation, and decorating. As hammers pound and dust rises, pollution levels inside your home can skyrocket. The air feels heavy, and with each breath, you can sense the dust and toxins settling in.

These pollutants, coupled with seasonal dust and rising air pollution outside, make it crucial to adopt natural air purifiers. The good news? You can significantly improve indoor air with simple, natural solutions like houseplants and homemade fresheners. Not only are they effective, but they also bring a sense of calm and beauty to your surroundings.

Here is how house plants and homemade fresheners can keep your home fresh and toxin-free:

House plants:

• Snake plant: Known for its sleek, upright leaves, the snake plant is one of the most effective air-purifying houseplants. It’s particularly great for removing toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, common pollutants found in paint and adhesives. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and can thrive in low light, making it perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.

• Peace lily: With its lush, dark green leaves and elegant white blooms, the peace lily brightens up your home and also cleans the air. It absorbs airborne toxins such as ammonia, benzene, and trichloroethylene, commonly found in household cleaning products. Place it in a corner of your living room or near windows where sunlight filters through, and watch it work its magic.

• Areca palm: This tropical beauty is an aesthetic addition to your home. It also acts as a natural humidifier. It filters out toxins like formaldehyde and xylene, making it ideal for homes undergoing renovation. Its ability to release moisture into the air helps counter the dryness caused by dust and construction work.

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is famous for its healing properties, but it’s also an excellent air purifier. It helps clear formaldehyde and benzene from the air, toxins often present in paints and other renovation materials. Keep it near sunny windows where it can absorb sunlight and cleanse your air.

Homemade fresheners:

• Citrus spray: Nothing refreshes a home like the zesty scent of citrus. To make a simple citrus air freshener, simmer lemon or orange peels in water with a few cloves or cinnamon sticks. The natural oils in the peels act as deodorisers, neutralising odors and filling your space with a clean, uplifting fragrance.

• Oil diffuser: Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint smell wonderful and also have natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. Using an essential oil diffuser helps to purify the air and keep it smelling fresh. Eucalyptus, in particular, is known for clearing the airways and soothing respiratory problems caused by dust.

• Baking soda sachets: Baking soda is a natural odour neutraliser. Fill small fabric pouches with baking soda and a few drops of your favourite essential oil, and place them around your home; in closets, under furniture, or in corners where dust tends to accumulate. These sachets will absorb unwanted odors and keep the air fresh.