We think of our homes as being safe havens from the rest of the world, but for people with allergies or other environmental sensitivities, sometimes the things that feel safe and cozy – a nice fluffy rug, or scented air-fresheners – can actually exacerbate a problem.

To make sure your home is as safe as it feels try some of the following tips to improve indoor air quality.

Start by clearing the air of VOCs, the biggest indoor air pollutants. VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) is a catchall term for compounds that have a high vapor pressure and evaporate into the air at room temperature.

Not all VOCs are harmful but some, like benzene and formaldehyde, can cause damage with repeated exposure over time. VOCs can be emitted by paints, stains, carpets, adhesives, and pressed-wood products.

The cheapest and easiest way to Improve indoor air quality is to open the windows. Make sure your home is well ventilated and air it out whenever possible.

Dust is another contributor to poor air quality. Dust carries toxins through the air and is a respiratory irritant. To keep dust at bay, don’t wear shoes in the house to avoid tracking in fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants from the outside.

Regularly dust counters and wipe hard floors with a damp mop to keep dust out of the air. Change HVAC filters every three months. Sensitive people should invest in a vacuum with a high-quality HEPA filter that will keep dust enclosed within the machine.

Let Mother Nature lend a helping hand by adding house plants to filter indoor air. NASA studied houseplants to purify the air in space facilities and found several that filter out common VOCs. The peace lily topped NASA’s list for removing all three of the most common VOCs — formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.

Other efficient air cleaners include English ivy, philodendron, spider plants, dracaena and Chinese evergreen.

And houseplants are hip! Greenhouse inspired interiors are now one of the hottest trends in home decor. Designers use groupings of big-leafed houseplants for lush focal points, or plant specimens in creative vessels with sculptural impact.

If you think you have no place for plants, look up. Like many styles from the 1970s, the hanging plant is back, macramé and all, and the perfect candidate for hanging is on NASA’s list – the spider plant with cascading plantlets.

Most of these VOC warriors are also easy care with no green thumb required.

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora (626) 926-9700 adrianad@podley.com