In the 1980s, NASA studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. They found several plants that filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lucky for us the plants can also help clean indoor air on Earth.

For example, Aloe vera helps clear formaldehyde and benzene, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners, paints and more.

Spider plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, battles benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries.

Golden pothos (Scindapsus aurea) is another powerful filter for formaldehyde.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemium morifolium) helps filter out benzene, which is commonly found in glue, paint, plastics and detergent.

Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata) is best for removing xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, which can be introduced to indoor air through lacquers, varnishes and gasoline.

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) can help filter out pollutants that typically accompany carpeting and furniture such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.

Also the beautiful Azalea (Rhododendron simsii) can combat formaldehyde from sources such as plywood or foam insulation.

Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii) tops the list of plants best for filtering out both benzene and trichloroethylene. It's also a good choice for placing around furniture that could be off-gassing formaldehyde.