Air cleaning as the name implies is the process of cleaning the air. This entails using an air cleaning device to remove unwanted pollutants and other elements from the air. People clean the air for many reasons, the chief being for health related issues. However, others use air cleaners simply for the removal of unpleasant odors.

Cleaning the air is only one way of ensuring that your immediate atmosphere is clean. Residents can also contribute to cleaner air in their homes by making sure their homes are well ventilated. Ventilation allows the free circulation of air inside and out, thus replacing stale air with fresh air from outside, especially in areas where pollution is low.

The use of indoor plants also aids in keeping air clean. Plants release oxygen and use the carbon dioxide in the environment. The proper placement of portable air cleaners is necessary to get optimal performance. If possible a portable unit should be placed as close as possible to any known pollutant point, example, close to a pet's sleeping area. Also, do not place the unit behind large furniture as this will block air flow and prevent the unit from working at its optimal level.

In addition to the above, taking steps to get the best performance from an air cleaner will also lengthen its life. Some pointers for getting the best service from any air cleaner include:

' Making sure that the unit, whether portable or centralized is properly installed and used. If the manufacturer's installation instructions stipulate the size room it should be used in, try to adhere to that requirement.

' Also, follow instructions on how to care for and maintain the unit, including knowing when and how to replace filters. Air filters remove dirt and dust from the air, and therefore, proper and frequent cleaning is necessary

There are many ways to clean the air, so be sure to research the different methods as this will help in making a more informed decision.