From feather dusters to microfiber towels, we all have our own favorite ways to remove cobwebs and dust from our homes.
But have you ever thought that there might be an alternative solution? indoor plants.
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A gardening genius has revealed the seven houseplants that help get rid of dust at home. Pictured, archive imagePhoto credit: Getty
Gardening expert Zach Morgan, horticulturist and gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners, spoke to The Express and revealed seven houseplants that can help remove dust and nasty toxins from the air.
So why not give them a try?
spider plant
If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that is easy to find and care for, the spider plant is the best choice for you.
According to Zach, it’s the perfect plant for pet owners because it’s “non-poisonous and very hardy,” and it thrives best in indirect sunlight.
But there is one thing to remember – it needs watering a couple of times a week.
The gardening talent says: “According to studies, spider plants are excellent at removing formaldehyde from the air, so placing them close to where you work can help you purify the air indoors.
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“It’s also said to remove carbon monoxide and xylene.”
In addition, they absorb nitrogen dioxide, which can help keep the air circulating in your home clean and fresh.
snake plant
The snake plant is known for being succulent, which means it’s super easy to care for.
Zach explains that it’s a great choice for keeping the air in the home clean and fresh because it releases oxygen into the air while removing other “harmful chemicals.”
Meanwhile, researchers at Harvard University found that it’s one of the most oxygen-producing houseplants, helping you breathe and sleep better.
English ivy
If you frequently dye your hair at home, it’s worth investing in an English ivy plant.
That’s because, according to Zach, it helps reduce levels of chemicals found in several salon products.
He adds: “It’s also a great plant for the bathroom, as it’s said to get rid of mold.
“However, English ivy is poisonous to cats and dogs, so if you have pets, make sure it’s completely out of their reach.”
The low-maintenance gardening genius says that an English ivy plant needs to receive a generous amount of water and a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
peace lily
The peace lily is an ideal plant for the bedroom as it has a high rate of perspiration, meaning that watering it will help bring moisture back into the room.
Zach explains, “This reduces the dust in the room and can remove any irritants from the eyes, nose, and mouth.”
The bad news, however, is that it is poisonous to pets and requires a little more maintenance, as it only needs morning sunlight, fog, and moist soil.
aloe vera
When you think of aloe vera, the skin-soothing benefits probably spring to mind.
However, it turns out that it is also very effective at removing toxins from the air.
According to Zach, this type of plant should live in the kitchen so it can remove toxins commonly found in cleaning and sanitizing products.
chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum is the perfect plant choice when you want to add a touch of color to a room.
But Zach realizes there’s another big advantage.
“Chrysanthemums top the list when it comes to air purification and removing common toxins,” he says.
“However, they only work when the flowers are in bloom (about six weeks) and are poisonous to cats and dogs, so be careful if you have pets.”
It should be kept moist and in sunlight indoors, but can be moved outside when it warms up.
Weeping Fig
A NASA study found that the weeping fig is one of the most effective plants at removing airborne toxins from the air.
And the good news? It is easy to care for – it just needs to be kept out of drafts and direct sunlight while the soil needs to stay moist.
