Can houseplants clean your air better than air purifiers? Read to find out
Indoor plants are praised for natural air purification, but how do they stack up against modern air purifiers? Discover if you really need to invest in high-tech solutions or if greenery can keep your home's air fresh and breathable.
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Our Picks
| Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Philips AC0920 Smart Air Purifier for Home| Real Time AQI Display | Covers upto 300 sqft|Removes 99.97% of Viruses,Allergens,Dust and PM2.5 |HEPA Filter|Filter Life Upto 9000 Hrs | Ideal for BedroomsView Details  | ₹6,999 | |
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Honeywell Air Purifier for Home & Office, 3-in-1 filter - Pre-Filter, H13 HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, Removes 99.99% Pollutants, Allergens, Pet Danger, Smoke, Dust & Pollens - Air touch V1View Details | ₹4,987 | |
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Philips Smart Air Purifier Ac1711 - Purifies Rooms Up To 36 M² - Removes 99.97% Of Pollen, Allergies, Dust And Smoke, Hepa Filter, Ultra-Quiet And Low Energy Consumption, Ideal For Bedrooms. - WhiteView Details | ₹12,699 | |
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Xiaomi 4 Lite Smart Air Purifier for Home, AQI Display, HEPA & Carbon Filter, trap 99.99% Virus Dust & Odor, Large coverage area up to 462 Sq ft, App Control, RoHS & Allergy Care Certified, Alexa & GAView Details | ||
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Honeywell Air Purifier For Home, 5 Stage Filtration, Covers 543 sq.ft, UV LED & Ionizer, Anti-Bacterial, Activated Carbon & H13 HEPA Filter, Removes 99.99% Pollutants & Micro Allergens - Air touch V4View Details | ₹11,499 | |
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AGARO Royal Air Purifier For Home, Bedroom,True HEPA Filter H13, Removes 99.99% Pollutants, Bacteria, Virus & PM 0.1 Particles, 4 Stage Purification, CADR 300 m³/hrView Details | ₹5,999 | |
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Coway AirMega Aim Professional Air Purifier for Home, New Launch, Coverage Area of 355 Sq Ft, Longest Filter Life 8500 Hrs, Traps 99.99% Virus & PM 0.1 Particles, Manufacturer Warranty of 7 YearsView Details | ₹9,999 | |
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Reffair AX30 [MAX] Air Purifier for Car & Home | 2nd Gen - Type-C Cable | Negative Ions Function | H13 True HEPA Filter | Aromatherapy (Black)View Details | ₹2,460 | |
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Rosekm Small Air Purifier for Home Bedroom, Personal Desk Mini Air Purifier, Room Hepa Air Purifier Fresheners Cleaner for Pets, Smoke, Desktop, Office (White)View Details | ₹1,195.18 | |
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Philips GP3601 Car Air Purifier with HEPA filter captures particles as small as 0.004um (Equivelant to H14 Grade), UVC light eliminating >99.9% of bacteria and viruses, Ozone free certified product.View Details | ₹2,999 | |
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CARBINIC Car Air Purifier with HEPA Filter | Portable USB Air Purifier for Home | Car Air Freshener - 3 Speeds, Low Noise, Washable Filter | Plasma Ion Purifier | Removes Dust, Smoke, Odors | GreyView Details | ₹1,309 | |
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FULMINARE Air Purifiers for Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Air Filter, Quiet Air Cleaner With Night Light,Portable Small Air Purifier for Home, Pet, Office, Living Room (White)View Details | ₹3,999 | |
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FULMINARE Air Purifiers, H13 HEPA Air Purifiers with 360° Air Inlet, 3 Speeds, Removes Dust, Smoke - Portable Small Low Noise for Bedroom, Pet, Office，Home (White)View Details | ₹4,498 | |
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Honeywell Move Pure3 Car Air Purifier, Hepa filter & Formaldehyde which removes 99.9% dust & smoke, CADR upto24 m³/h with 3xUSB ports, 2 Years Manufacturer WarrantyView Details | ₹4,999 | |
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With growing concerns about air quality in cities, everyone is looking for ways to breathe cleaner air indoors. While modern air purifiers have become a go-to solution, natural air purification methods, like indoor plants, are gaining popularity for their eco-friendly appeal. But do these methods actually work? And how do they compare to the efficiency of modern air purifiers? Let’s break it down.
What are natural air purification methods?
Natural air purification methods include using nature-inspired solutions to improve indoor air quality. The most well-known approach is adding indoor plants, which are often credited with the ability to filter out toxins and boost oxygen levels.
The idea gained traction after NASA released a Clean Air Study, which suggested that certain houseplants could remove harmful pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. This research creates a picture that indoor air quality can be improved by adding plants to your space. However, the study was conducted in sealed chambers and in very specific conditions, which don’t exactly reflect the reality of most homes.
That’s why we’re taking everything into account to determine if relying on plants to improve indoor air quality is truly a good idea. Read on as we dive into a detailed comparison, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of both plants and modern air purifiers.
Check out these air purifiers for your home
How effective are indoor plants at cleaning the air?
Indoor plants create a calming atmosphere, but when it comes to air purification, their abilities are often exaggerated.
While plants do absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, their ability to remove toxins in a real-world setting is minimal. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, you would need an impractical number of plants to match the air-cleaning capacity of a standard air purifier.
Also, plants require care, and if neglected, they can accumulate dust or even grow mould, which might worsen air quality rather than improve it.
Also read: Best car air purifiers: Boost air quality, remove pollutants, and enjoy a cleaner commute
Are modern air purifiers more effective?
Modern air purifiers are built to eliminate air quality problems efficiently and quickly. Equipped with technologies like HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV-C light, they can capture a wide range of pollutants, including allergens, dust, mould spores, and even some bacteria.
HEPA filters are excellent at capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them ideal for addressing allergens like pollen and pet dander. Activated carbon filters add another layer of protection by removing odours and volatile organic compounds, which plants are unlikely to handle.
In terms of speed and coverage, modern air purifiers are hard to beat. They can clean the air in a matter of minutes and cover large spaces, making them a practical choice for those seeking measurable results.
Are natural methods eco-friendly?
This is one area where natural methods like indoor plants shine. Plants don’t require electricity, and their maintenance is limited to occasional watering and care. They are a sustainable option for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Modern air purifiers, on the other hand, consume electricity and often require filter replacements, which contribute to waste. That said, many models are designed to be energy-efficient, and filters can typically be recycled or disposed of responsibly.
Which option is better for allergies and asthma?
For those with allergies or asthma, modern air purifiers are generally the better choice. They are specifically designed to filter out allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, which plants simply cannot address effectively.
Indoor plants, while beneficial for their psychological and aesthetic value, can sometimes aggravate allergies if they collect dust or grow mould. For individuals with respiratory sensitivities, relying on plants alone might not be the best solution.
What about cost and maintenance?
Indoor plants are relatively low-cost compared to modern air purifiers. Buying a few plants won’t break the bank, and their maintenance involves only watering, trimming, and ensuring they get the right amount of light.
Modern air purifiers, however, come with a higher upfront cost and require filter replacements, which can add to the long-term expense. But while the initial cost of air purifiers might be higher, their effectiveness in significantly improving air quality makes them a worthwhile investment.
Can air purifiers and plants be combined to improve air quality indoors?
Instead of choosing one, why not use both? A modern air purifier can handle the heavy lifting when it comes to removing allergens and pollutants, while plants can add a touch of greenery and help boost oxygen levels in your space.
This combined approach allows you to enjoy the benefits of clean air alongside the calming, natural vibe that plants bring to a room.
Check out these portable air purifiers
Do natural air purification methods really work?
Indoor plants can enhance your environment and slightly improve air quality, but they can’t match the efficiency and coverage of modern air purifiers.
If you’re looking for a low-cost, eco-friendly and aesthetic way to freshen your indoor space, plants are a good option. But for significant improvements in air quality—especially if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or live in a highly polluted area—a modern air purifier is the more effective choice.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs and priorities. By combining the strengths of both approaches, you can create a cleaner, healthier indoor environment while also enjoying the natural beauty that plants bring to your space.
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Business NewsTechnologyGadgetsCan houseplants clean your air better than air purifiers? Read to find out
FAQs
Indoor plants can slightly improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, but their ability to remove pollutants is limited compared to modern air purifiers.
Yes, air purifiers are much more effective at removing pollutants, allergens, and toxins from the air, thanks to advanced filters like HEPA and activated carbon.
Yes, combining both can be beneficial—plants add a natural aesthetic and some oxygen, while air purifiers actively clean the air of harmful particles and allergens.
While houseplants can improve indoor aesthetics, they might not be the best for people with allergies or asthma, as they can attract dust or mold if not properly maintained.
Yes, methods like plants and activated charcoal are eco-friendly, requiring minimal energy and having a small environmental footprint compared to the electricity consumption and waste produced by air purifiers.
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First Published:21 Nov 2024, 05:20 PM IST
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