Baltimore Metro Area Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Home Carehttps://www.shopbaltimorehomes.com/blog/Copyright ShopBaltimorehomes.com2022-11-14T14:59:19-07:00tag:shopbaltimorehomes.com,2012-09-20:14230Can Certain Plants Actually Purify the Air in Your Home?Houseplants have been hyped for decades for their ability to purify the air. But is it really true? The short (and more confusing) answer: yes and no. A 1989 <a class="body-link" href="https://archive.org/details/nasa_techdoc_19930072988/page/n1/mode/2up" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://archive.org/details/nasa_techdoc_19930072988/page/n1/mode/2up">study by NASA</a> found that common houseplants can improve air quality by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene and formaldehyde, from a sealed chamber. But an <a class="body-link" href="https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/000002IB.txt?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=1991%20Thru%201994&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&UseQField=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5CZYFILES%5CINDEX%20DATA%5C91THRU94%5CTXT%5C00000002%5C000002IB.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=hpfr&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/000002IB.txt?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=1991%20Thru%201994&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&UseQField=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5CZYFILES%5CINDEX%20DATA%5C91THRU94%5CTXT%5C00000002%5C000002IB.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=hpfr&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1">EPA review</a> noted that because the sample size was limited, the results don't translate well to the real world: To achieve the same pollutant removal rate as in the test chamber, you’d need 680 plants in a 1,500-square-foot home!
Yet there's definitely some truth behind the theory that plants can remove hazardous substances from our homes. “All plants ‘clean’ the air to some extent as they take in air through their stomata,” says Linda Chalker-Scott, PhD, professor and extension urban horticulturalist with <a class="body-link" href="https://puyallup.wsu.edu/lcs/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://puyallup.wsu.edu/lcs/">Washington State University</a>. “However, there are no miracle plants. Plants vary by species when their stomata are open and if they can use the contaminants in the air.”
More recent <a class="body-link" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25056742/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25056742/">research</a> found that the level of VOCs reduced is influenced by the plant species, light intensity, and VOC concentration, too, so we're not sure what plants would work best and in what type of environment, for example. And plants also release other compounds, which may or may not be considered contaminants, says Chalker-Scott.
That being said, there’s actually a ton of research that says plants are good for us in other ways. They can boost <a class="body-link" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120313177" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120313177">mental health</a>, may <a class="body-link" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344009915_An_Update_of_the_Literature_Supporting_the_Well-Being_Benefits_of_Plants_Part_2_Physiological_Health_Benefits" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344009915_An_Update_of_the_Literature_Supporting_the_Well-Being_Benefits_of_Plants_Part_2_Physiological_Health_Benefits">improve sleep</a>, <a class="body-link" href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/12/7454" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/12/7454">reduce blood pressure</a>, and <a class="body-link" href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/6/1238" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/6/1238">help us feel less isolated</a>. “While plants may metabolize certain pollutants in the air, whether they will improve air quality is unclear,” says Chalker-Scott. “Air purification, in my opinion, is a minor benefit. But their color, shape and smell create a peaceful environment.”
So, while we aren’t exactly sure how well houseplants purify the air, they do provide plenty of other benefits, including making us happier and our homes feel more cozy and welcoming. With that kind of evidence, why not add plants to every room? Here are our easy-care favorites, many of which were touted in the NASA study as air purifying plants:
1 Parlor Palm
<img alt="parlor palm plant decorating black wooden dresser modern home decor" title="Parlor palm plant decorating black wooden dresser" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-926878158-1667232850.jpg?crop=0.75xw:1xh;center,top&resize=480:*" />
Many palms are somewhat fussy, but parlor palm has been a favorite since Victorian times for its easygoing personality. It has graceful, feathery fronds and will tolerate low light levels better than most other types of palms. Keep it lightly moist.
2 Aglaonema
<img alt="aglaonema, aglaonema commutatum or pink aglaonema plant" title="Aglaonema, Aglaonema commutatum or pink Aglaonema" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1667233142.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.667xh;0,0.118xh&resize=480:*" />
Aglaonema comes in many different types and will add a splash of brilliant color to any room. It’s a super-tough plant that will tolerate less-than-ideal conditions. It does best in moderate light, but it will do just fine in low light, too. Keep it lightly moist.
3 Dracaena
<img alt="bamboo plant dracaena sanderiana in white flower pot on room window sill on blurred city natural background close up selective focus copy space" title="Bamboo plant Dracaena Sanderiana in white flower pot on room window sill on blurred city natural background" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1667233218.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.669xh;0,0.134xh&resize=480:*" />
Many different kinds of dracaena are available, with long, strappy leaves and pretty markings, but they all have strong upright forms. They prefer moderate light. Let dry out slightly between waterings.
4 Peace Lily
<img alt="home plant, flowering peace lily or spathiphyllum on window sill at home" title="Home plant, flowering Peace Lily or Spathiphyllum on window sill at home" class="lazyimage lazyloaded" data-src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1667233351.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.669xh;0,0.157xh&resize=480:*" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1667233351.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.669xh;0,0.157xh&resize=480:*" />
Peace lily is nearly indestructible! It has shiny green leaves and white spoon-shaped flowers with a light scent. It tolerates low light but will bloom better in bright light. Keep it lightly moist, not sopping.
5 Cast Iron Plant
<img alt="unspecified january 27 variegated bar room plant aspidistra variegata, asparagaceae photo by deagostinigetty images" title="Variegated bar-room plant, Asparagaceae" class="lazyimage lazyloaded" data-src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-492756637-1667233794.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.784xh;0,0.100xh&resize=480:*" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-492756637-1667233794.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.784xh;0,0.100xh&resize=480:*" />
If you have perpetual bad luck with plants, the aptly named cast iron plant is for you! Its long, dark-green strappy leaves tolerate almost any light level, including low light. Let it dry out slightly between waterings
6 Pothos
<img alt="tropical epipremnum aureum marble queen pothos houseplant with white variegation in flower pot on wooden table" title="Tropical &apos;Epipremnum Aureum Marble Queen&apos; pothos houseplant with white variegation" class="lazyimage lazyloaded" data-src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1667234108.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.669xh;0,0.153xh&resize=480:*" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-1667234108.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.669xh;0,0.153xh&resize=480:*" />
If you only own one plant, make it a hard-to-kill pothos. Give this vining beauty bright indirect light, and let it dry out between waterings. It will tolerate low light levels but won’t grow as quickly.
7 Money Tree
<img alt="pachira in the room" title="pachira in the room" class="lazyimage lazyloaded" data-src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-503496716-1667233818.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.669xh;0,0.290xh&resize=480:*" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gettyimages-503496716-1667233818.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.669xh;0,0.290xh&resize=480:*" />
The money tree has a unique form and shiny green leaves; several trunks often are braided together for visual interest. Give it bright light, and let it dry out a bit between waterings.
2022-11-16T16:15:00-07:002022-11-14T14:59:19-07:00Veronica Carrillotag:shopbaltimorehomes.com,2012-09-20:571910 Fall Maintenance TipsIt would be amazing if all you needed to prep your home for fall was hang a wreath and light a bunch of pumpkin spice candles. While yes, those are a crucial part of fall, there are more important (and not exactly fun) preparations that come with being a homeowner.
1. Clean, or possibly replace, your gutters.
Real talk: You're so used to your gutters working properly — and draining thousands of gallons of water from your roof yearly — that you forget they could use a little TLC. If they're clogged, you can end up with a flooded interior and damaged exterior. So clean them, and if necessary, replace them (Amazon Home Services <a class="body-link product-links" href="https://www.amazon.com/Gutter-Replacement-Metal-Up-Feet/dp/B06WLNZMMT/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1533572901&sr=8-10&keywords=gutters&linkCode=ogi&tag=housebeautiful_auto-append-20&ascsubtag=[artid|10057.a.22652916[src|[ch|[lt|" rel="nofollow noskim" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-call-to-action="will do it for $116" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/Gutter-Replacement-Metal-Up-Feet/dp/B06WLNZMMT/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1533572901&sr=8-10&keywords=gutters&linkCode=ogi" data-vars-ga-product-brand="Amazon Home Services" data-vars-ga-product-id="8787fa22-e4c3-4bc6-8a24-df51c5ea438a" data-vars-ga-product-price="99.99" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="Amazon Home Services" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="Home" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-affiliate="true">will do it for $116</a>).
2. Check for drafts.
Heat loss through windows is responsible for 25-30 percent of heating energy use, according to the <a class="body-link" href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/update-or-replace-windows" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/update-or-replace-windows">U.S. Department of Energy.</a> But it doesn't have to be that way, because weatherstripping is simple and probably the most cost-effective way to keep heating costs down.
3. Drain your outdoor faucets.
Say it with me now: "I will turn off all outdoor faucets before winter!" Drain and disconnect all garden hoses from outside spigots to prevent any water freezing. Not doing this can result to pipes bursting, so yeah, do this.
4. Bring your outdoor furniture in.
Yes, your furniture is outdoor furniture. No, that does not mean you should test the label by leaving it outside through hurricane-like weather and snowstorms. It cost you money and time to set that outdoor space up, so if you want to get another summer season out of it you should store it in a garage or shed. If you don't have anywhere to store the items, you should cover it in a waterproof furniture cover, which you can snag on <a class="body-link product-links" href="https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Griffen-3-Seater-Patio-Cover/dp/B00LFIZ6W8/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1533573193&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=outdoor%20furniture%20covers%20waterproof&psc=1&linkCode=ogi&tag=housebeautiful_auto-append-20&ascsubtag=[artid|10057.a.22652916[src|[ch|[lt|" rel="nofollow noskim" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-call-to-action="Amazon" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Griffen-3-Seater-Patio-Cover/dp/B00LFIZ6W8/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1533573193&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=outdoor furniture covers waterproof&psc=1&linkCode=ogi" data-vars-ga-product-brand="AmazonBasics" data-vars-ga-product-id="b84d9a18-422c-4724-b3bb-7ca769ddec6b" data-vars-ga-product-price="37.46" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="AmazonBasics" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="Sofa Covers" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-affiliate="true">Amazon</a> for 36 bucks.
5. Fix any cracks in your driveway.
I know, I know — this seems tedious and is one of those things where you're like, "eh, it'll be fine!" But, it could very easily not be fine. When water gets into cracks it freezes, expands, and can make the crack even bigger. Enough small cracks can turn into big cracks, and eventually the concrete can crumble. Plus, uh, you'd probably prefer a driveway without a giant pothole. So, using concrete crack sealer, fill it up and be done with it.
6. Change your filters.
Found: Another thing in your house that might be costing you more money then it should be. If your filters are clogged, it's harder to keep your home at the temperature you want it too be which will increase your heating bills. Clean these filters monthly, not just before the fall, and thank me later. FYI: Disposable filters can be vacuumed one time before you replace it, and foam filters can just be vacuumed and not replaced.
7. Fertilize your lawn & protect your garden.
You know what they say: The best offense is a good defense. If you want to keep your lawn looking great in the spring and summer, you need to <a class="body-link" href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/g4678/how-landscapers-prepare-their-yard-for-fall/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/g4678/how-landscapers-prepare-their-yard-for-fall/">prep it for the fall</a> and winter. Roots are still active when the grass isn't growing, so applying fertilizer will prevent winter damage. Doing this will also help your lawn turn green faster in the spring, which is crucial, because who wants to look at a sad lawn once it gets nice out?
For your garden, pull up any plants or vegtables that can not be in the ground over the winter. remove all weeds and debris and eliminate overwintering sites for insects and disease. Check our <a href="https://www.almanac.com/gardening/pests-and-diseases">Plant Pests and Diseases Library</a> for tips on preventing and preparing for the most common pests in your garden. Lastly, till your soil and add in some compost to get the soil ready for next spring.
8. Test winter equipment.
Hi, I'm here from the future, where your snow blower isn't working and you're stuck inside and can't get your car out to buy a new one. Seriously, just check it all now and make your life easier later.
9. Change your batteries.
Once a year you should be checking to make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices are working. Since you're already testing everything else out, you might as well add this on.
10. Clean humidifiers.
Having the heat and being wrapped up in a blanket on during a cold night is one of the best feelings. But, that heat will dry you out. Eliminate chapped lips, red noses, and sore throats by using your humidifer. Replace old filters and clean inside compartment. Vinegar is inexpensive and works well. 2020-09-28T06:42:00-07:002020-09-28T07:02:29-07:00Alyssia Essig