Enlist the power of plants While formaldehyde (found in plywood, adhesives, carpets and paints), benzene (found in Styrofoam, plastics, lubricants, detergents and synthetic fibers) and carbon monoxide (off-gassed by heating or cooking equipment) are bad news for people, plants can thrive on them and help remove them from the air. Peace lily, bamboo palm, English ivy, mums and gerbera daisies top the clean-air list. Plus, they're easy to care for, so even if you don't have a green thumb, you'll still have a good chance of keeping these babies alive.
Go green with household cleaners
Unless you are using products scented with natural oils, your favorite 'clean smell' is likely the result of a chemical concoction. Try natural cleaning agents such as baking soda and white vinegar. Or look for brands with non-toxic ingredients like Shaklee's Get Clean or Mrs. Meyers Clean Day. If you're a fan of scented candles, consider switching to soy, which burns much cleaner than petroleum-based counterparts. To keep the bugs away, use boric-acid-based bait stations as an effective alternative to chemical sprays.
