Six houseplants to buy to stop mould growing in your home – and one of them costs just £4 from B&Q
AS we head into autumn and winter many houses will have to tackle pesky mould.
Mould can grow just about anywhere and during any time of year but is especailly common when the temperature drops.
Luckily, there are plenty of cheap tricks and tips out there to help keep your home mould-free, including this natural one that will also add some colour to any space.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Jo Trotman from The Residence Collection has shared six plants you can buy to help reduce mould.
Peace Lilies
Not only does a peace lily add a pretty touch to any room with its white flowers, the leaves are brilliant at removing moisture from the air – so it’s a win-win.
They like shade and high humidity areas, making them ideal for a bathroom where mould grows.
You can buy this plant from most garden centres, or for just £7.50 in B&Q right now.
English Ivy
This is the perfect plant for windowsills with blinds or anther shady spot.
It’s one of the best what it comes to tackling mould thanks to it’s dense foliage too.
Jo said the plant is “highly effective at ridding homes of unwanted mould spores and absorbing extra moisture.”
That said, it’s leaves are toxic for pets so should always be kept somewhere animals can’t reach.
You can buy English Ivy for very little too, since it’s native to the UK. A plant will set you back just £4 from B&Q right now.
Spider Plant
Spider plants can filter out airborne pollutants while also absorbing moisture, making them a great addition to most homes.
They are a low-maintenance plant and thrive in different lighting conditions making it the ideal plant for any room.
Spider plants also produce baby plants quickly, meaning you can have several new plants from the original one you bought too.
Boston Ferns
According to Jo Boston ferns are great for creating an environment that’s “less favourable for mould to grow”.
And if you’re not known for your gardening skills, the low-maintenance Boston Fern might be for you.
“The Boston Fern thrives in moist climates and will naturally absorb the air moisture and balance out humidity levels in your home,” experts from Country Gardener explained.
Pop it in a sunny spot in your home and keep it hydrated and it will do all the hard work for you.
Snake Plants
Snake plants can help reduce the moisture levels in the air, stopping mould in it’s tracks.
You can pick one up for just £10 in Homebase too, not only adding a splash of colour to your home but keeping mould at bay.
Just keep it in a sunny spot and water regularly and this plant will do all the hard work for you.
Aloe vera
Jo said this plant is a “natural mould fighter” because of it’s impressive antifungal and moisture-absorbing leaves.
Pop it in a sunny window and water regularly it well help reduce the moisture in your home and prevent mould.
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.