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​Best Eco-Friendly Products to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Indoor Air Quality
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Picture of Amara Naqvi

Amara Naqvi

Healthy indoor built environments are all about nurturing your well-being, and indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the most overlooked yet vital components of this equation. Health, comfort, and productivity are directly affected by IAQ, making it essential to choose the right products and materials.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to design a cleaner, healthier home using eco-friendly air purifiers, non-toxic products, low-VOC materials, and natural solutions like air-purifying plants and sustainable candles. Plus, we’ve listed trusted brands to help you make informed choices.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. Poor air quality can lead to serious health concerns. Common indoor pollutants include VOCs (volatile organic compounds), mold, dust, pet dander, and chemicals from cleaning products and furniture.

Health effects of poor indoor air quality:

  • Respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

  • Allergies, including sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes.

  • Headaches and fatigue, which often result from inadequate ventilation or chemical exposure.

  • Asthma and lung diseases, which can be aggravated by poor air quality.

  • Cognitive decline and difficulty concentrating.

  • Mood disorders like irritability, stress, and anxiety.

     

Improving indoor air quality can reduce these risks while creating a more comfortable, relaxing environment.

Improving your indoor air quality with sustainable, low-toxic solutions isn’t just a smart move for your health; it’s better for the planet, too. Here are some of the best eco-friendly, non-toxic, and low-VOC ways to purify the air inside your home.


Each brand we share is carefully selected to support your journey toward healthier living spaces. Through our affiliate links, you can easily access products, allowing us to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

 

Top Products to Improve Indoor Air Quality

1. Eco-Friendly Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are essential in any healthy indoor space. They work by removing harmful particles and gases from the air, ensuring you breathe cleaner air. Different air purifiers use various technologies, such as HEPA filters, UV-C lights, and activated carbon filters, to target different pollutants.


Examples:

  • HEPA Air Purifiers: These purifiers are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.
    Example: Austin Air,  Sans Air Purifier.

 

  • UV-C Air Purifiers: These use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the air.

  • Ionic Air Purifiers: These release negative ions to attract and capture airborne particles. They can improve air quality but vary in effectiveness depending on the model.

2. Air Filters for HVAC Systems

If your home uses a heating or cooling system, upgrading your HVAC filters to high-quality ones can significantly improve indoor air quality. HEPA filters and pleated filters can capture smaller particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander, ensuring cleaner air throughout the home.

Why Aren’t Traditional AC Filters Recyclable?

Traditional AC filters may look recyclable due to their cardboard and paper components, but their mixed construction prevents it. Non-biodegradable materials like fiberglass, polyester, plastics, wire mesh, and paper blends are often used in the filter media. These materials make the filters incompatible with standard recycling processes, even if the outer frame is recyclable.

Switch to Washable, Eco-Friendly Filters

Washable eco-friendly filters, available at most home improvement stores or through AC professionals, offer a sustainable solution. Made with a plastic frame and reusable mesh, these filters trap fine particles like pollen and pet dander and can be easily cleaned with a hose. They reduce waste, improve indoor air quality, and save money by eliminating the need for frequent replacements.

Looking for eco-friendly HVAC filters? Shop Nordic Poly Green Air Filters for hypoallergenic, energy-efficient options, Flanders Eco Filters for recyclable materials and sustainable design, Reair Filters for sustainable, reusable solutions, Cycle Air Filters for eco-conscious designs, AIRTEVA Air Filters made from durable aluminum alloy with a reusable frame, reducing waste and preventing tree harm, and RememberTheFilter for convenient, responsibly sourced filter subscriptions. Keep your home healthy while supporting responsible brands!

 
 

 

3. Air-Purifying Plants

Certain plants naturally filter and purify indoor air by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia, and releasing oxygen. Incorporating plants into your living spaces enhances the aesthetic, brings nature indoors, and also improves air quality.  You need multiple plants depending on the size of the living space, so don’t think one Peace lily plant will filter the air in a large living room; rather, have a few. 

Top Air-Purifying Plants:

  • Spider Plant: Removes formaldehyde and xylene.

  • Peace Lily: Filters ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.

  • English Ivy: Effective against benzene, formaldehyde, and mold spores.

  • Snake Plant: Removes formaldehyde and benzene and regulates humidity.

 

Non-toxic Scented Candles

4. Non-Toxic Products: Scented Candles

Candles create a cozy atmosphere, but traditional candles made from paraffin wax release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. Instead, opt for non-toxic candles made from natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut. These alternatives are cleaner and help purify the air.

Why Choose Non-Toxic Candles?

 

  • Soy and beeswax candles burn cleaner and produce less soot than paraffin candles, reducing indoor air pollution.
  • Essential oils used in natural candles offer therapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation or energy, depending on the scent.
  • Scented Candle Options: Choose candles with natural wicks (cotton or wood) that don’t release harmful metals or chemicals when burned and use non-synthetic fragrances.

5. Himalayan Salt Lamps

Not just for ambiance, Himalayan salt lamps also have potential air-purifying benefits. These lamps are believed to emit negative ions, which can help neutralize pollutants and allergens in the air. Additionally, their warm, soothing glow creates a relaxing environment, perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.


Benefits:

  • Releases negative ions to neutralize indoor air pollutants like dust, pollen, and smoke.
  • Known to improve mood and promote relaxation by reducing stress.
  • Can help improve sleep quality by offering a calming atmosphere.

6. Air Quality Monitors

While we focus on enhancing indoor air quality, it’s just as important to consider safety with the right monitoring tools. Advanced air quality detectors can measure pollutants like VOCs, formaldehyde, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and humidity, offering real-time insights into the air we breathe. Smart air quality monitors, in particular, provide even more detailed tracking, allowing you to adjust your environment based on the data they collect.

At the same time, investing in carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors is essential for comprehensive protection. Brands like Kidde offer reliable detectors that guard against invisible dangers like odorless CO leaks and smoke from fires. These often-overlooked devices complement your air quality monitors, providing a vital layer of safety in your indoor spaces.

By combining smart air quality monitors with CO and smoke detectors, you’re creating a healthier and safer environment for your loved ones.

7. Low-VOC Materials

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are commonly emitted from paint, furniture finishes, cleaning products, and adhesives. To reduce indoor pollution, choose:

These choices support long-term health and cleaner indoor environments.

Other Lifestyle Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality

In addition to these products, there are a few lifestyle habits and simple changes you can implement to maintain healthy air quality in your space:

  1. Ventilate Your Spaces: Ensure that your space is properly ventilated by opening windows, using exhaust fans, or installing a mechanical ventilation system to bring in fresh outdoor air.
  2. Control Humidity: Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to prevent mold growth, or a humidifier in dry climates to prevent respiratory irritation.

     

  3. Keep Your Spaces Clean: Regularly vacuum with a HEPA filter, dust surfaces, and change air filters to reduce airborne pollutants.

     

  4. Using Air Fresheners or Air Cleaners:

Air fresheners mask odors and create a pleasant scent, but many contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution and irritate the respiratory system. To minimize these risks, consider natural alternatives, such as:

    • Essential oil diffusers
    • Homemade potpourri
    • Activated charcoal

 

Air cleaning sprays help purify the air by neutralizing pollutants like bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and allergens. However, their effectiveness is limited, and some may contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. When choosing an air cleaning spray, look for:

    • Ingredients free from ammonia, chlorine, or synthetic fragrances
    • Certifications such as “EPA Safer Choice” or “Green Seal” for eco-friendliness
    • Natural alternatives like essential oils


In Both Cases, Avoid Aerosol Sprays, Here Is Why:

Aerosol sprays use pressurized gas to disperse the product, often containing harmful propellants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These can contribute to environmental damage and air pollution. Inhaling aerosol particles may also irritate the lungs and trigger allergic reactions, especially in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Non-aerosol sprays, which use mechanical pumps, are generally safer for the environment and less likely to cause health issues. By switching to non-aerosol options, you can reduce your environmental impact and improve indoor air quality.

 

Responsible Brands for Indoor Air Products

The following brands offer products free from harmful chemicals, providing a cleaner and safer way to enhance the air quality in your space.

  • Meaningful Mantras: “From nature to you, our air fresheners and products are crafted with pure, natural ingredients to enhance your environment.”
  • P.F. Candle Co.: Known for their eco-friendly candles and air fresheners, made with clean-burning soy wax and phthalate-free fragrances. They also offer diffusers for an added natural touch.
  • Homesick: Their air fresheners and candles are crafted with all-natural ingredients to evoke the comforting scents of home, free from toxins.
  • Fontana Candle Co.: Offers non-toxic air fresheners alongside their candles, using sustainable and safe ingredients for a cleaner air experience. They also carry diffusers.
  • Aura Cacia: Made with 100% pure essential oils, their air fresheners provide a natural, non-toxic scent for your home. They also offer diffusers and humidifiers for a more holistic approach to your space.
  • Boy Smells: Clean-burning air fresheners made from plant-based wax and non-toxic fragrances, creating a fresh, eco-conscious atmosphere.
  • Eden’s Garden: Their air fresheners are free from harmful chemicals, crafted with pure essential oils for a fresh, natural scent. They also offer diffusers and humidifiers.
  • Grove Co.: Grove’s air fresheners are made without parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances, ensuring a safer, eco-friendly option for your home. They also carry humidifiers.
  • Azuna Fresh: Known for their natural air purifiers and air fresheners, Azuna Fresh uses non-toxic ingredients to eliminate odors and freshen your space.
  • Mountain Rose Herbs: Their air fresheners are made with high-quality, organic essential oils, free from synthetic fragrances and chemicals. They also offer diffusers and other eco-friendly wellness products.

Point of Alignment: Build a Healthier Space

Designing a clean, health-conscious indoor environment starts with the air you breathe. By choosing eco-friendly air purifiers, non-toxic candles, air-purifying plants, and low-VOC materials, you lay the foundation for long-term wellness.

Start improving your indoor air quality today with safer products and sustainable choices. Browse our curated product recommendations and take a deep breath in your healthier home.

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