Houseplants vs. Air Purifiers: What Cleans Your Air Best?

When it comes to indoor air quality, a common belief is that adding a few houseplants can clean the air in your home. And while greenery adds beauty and a sense of calm to your space, the truth is, when it comes to removing airborne bacteria, allergens, and other harmful particles, modern air purification systems do a much better job — and here’s why.  

What Houseplants Can and Can't Do

"Houseplants do not improve indoor air quality in homes or offices. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t enhance air quality at all — they can and do remove VOCs — but the sheer number of plants it would take to do so is unrealistic. To clean the air of a 1,500-square-foot home, for example, you’d need around 680 plants, according to the American Lung Association." (Better Report, n.d.)

While plants do offer benefits like increased humidity and a calming effect, they’re simply not equipped to capture and eliminate airborne allergens, bacteria, viruses, or smoke particles efficiently. Houseplants can also trigger allergies in many people, creating an environment where it is harder to breathe in.  

Allergy or Asthma in the Home? Air Purification Is Key

If someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues, a professionally installed air purification system can be a game-changer. By significantly reducing the allergens and irritants in your home, you create a safer, more breathable environment for everyone, especially children and older adults.

Indoor Air Purification Systems  

Unlike plants, air purification systems are specifically designed to tackle the particles and pathogens that pose health risks indoors.

Here’s what a quality air purification system can do that houseplants can’t:

• Remove Allergens: Pollen, pet dander, and dust mites are no match for HEPA filters and UV light technology. These systems can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns — far smaller than the human eye can see.

• Kill Bacteria & Viruses: Advanced air purifiers use UV-C light or ionization to neutralize airborne microbes, helping prevent illness and improve overall health.

• Eliminate Odors and Smoke: Activated carbon filters can absorb harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds), smoke, and cooking smells that plants simply can’t touch.

• Work Continuously: Air purification systems run 24/7 to actively clean your air, while plants only work passively and on a small scale.

None of this means that you need to ditch your indoor plants. Having an air purification system in place as well as a few decorative indoor plants, can create a clean and comforting space. 

Ready to Breathe Easier?

At Rentmeister, we offer a variety of indoor purification systems to create a clean and healthy environment for your home. Our expert technicians can help recommend and install the perfect indoor air purification system for your home. Helping you breathe easier, sleep better, and live healthier year-round. 

References

  Better Report. (n.d.). Can plants really improve air quality in your home? Retrieved April 18, 2025, from https://betterreport.com/can-plants-really-improve-air-quality-in-your-home/