The kitchen is often one of the places in the house where bad smells accumulate. Whether it’s from the fridge, the sink, the trash can, or the oven, unpleasant odors can fill the room. These smells can even spread throughout the entire house, creating a suffocating atmosphere. To prevent the kitchen from becoming unbreathable, it’s essential to tackle these odors at the source.
Did you know that sometimes all you need to do to ensure clean air in your kitchen is install a small plant? Certain indoor plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also act as air purifiers, helping to filter toxins and absorb bad odors. Here are 6 plants that will both enhance your kitchen with greenery and eliminate those unpleasant smells!
1. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria)
Often called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue because of its leathery, pointed leaves, this succulent plant is an excellent air purifier. It absorbs harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, transforming them into oxygen. It also helps regulate humidity, improving your kitchen’s air quality. As a bonus, this plant is low-maintenance and can thrive in various conditions. Though it prefers sunny spots, it is very adaptable and doesn’t require special care.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well known for its healing properties in cosmetics, but it’s also an effective air purifier. This succulent plant absorbs harmful toxins like benzene and formaldehyde while also removing dust from the air. Aloe Vera can even absorb electromagnetic waves from devices like cell phones and microwaves. Easy to grow, Aloe Vera needs adequate light to flourish. Just ensure it’s placed near a window and watered more frequently in warmer weather to prevent its delicate leaves from breaking.
3. Dracaena
Dracaena is a striking plant with long, narrow leaves that can help eliminate bad odors in the kitchen. It is particularly effective at absorbing harmful substances like trichloroethylene, which is often found in paint and cigarette smoke. This plant is also great for purifying the air from volatile compounds. To thrive, Dracaena needs a bright location and regular watering. Be sure to place it in a spot where it will receive direct sunlight in the morning and indirect sunlight in the afternoon.
4. Epipremnum Aureum (Pothos)
Epipremnum Aureum, commonly known as Pothos, is perfect for kitchens with moist air due to cooking fumes. It absorbs toxins like formaldehyde from carpets and paints. This plant is easy to maintain, requiring minimal watering and care. Its long, trailing vines make it an ideal choice for hanging baskets or placing on a shelf in your kitchen. The Pothos will not only help purify the air but also add a lovely touch of greenery to the space.
5. Philodendron
Philodendron is known for its decorative foliage, featuring large, lobed leaves and thin climbing stems. It’s a superb plant for purifying the air, absorbing toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. Not only does it remove bad odors, but it also leaves the air smelling fresh. This tropical plant needs heat, light, and humidity to thrive. Place it near a window with indirect sunlight, and make sure to water it regularly during the warmer months.
6. The Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica)
The Rubber Tree is another excellent air purifier. Its large, shiny green leaves are particularly effective at eliminating harmful substances, including formaldehyde. This plant can remove up to 12 micrograms of formaldehyde per hour! Though it tolerates low light, it grows best in a bright environment. Keep it in a warm corner of your kitchen, away from drafts, for optimal growth.
Caution:
While these plants can help filter toxins and improve air quality, they can only absorb a small amount of harmful substances. If you suffer from health issues or allergies, it’s always best to consult an expert.
By adding these air-purifying plants to your kitchen, you can enjoy a fresher, cleaner atmosphere free of unpleasant odors!
