A GARDENING expert has revealed seven houseplants homeowners should consider purchasing to prevent mould and condensation in the bathroom.
As temperatures begin to drop across the UK, many of us will find that our windows will begin to steam up on cold mornings, which can lead to the development of mould.
Peace Lily’s can help to prevent mould in the home[/caption]
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress said: “Condensation is a common problem throughout the winter months but too much can be a real issue and lead to mould growth.
“In order to prevent condensation you need to bring down the moisture levels in your home and houseplants are a great natural solution to balance the humidity.”
Chris recommended seven plants which will not only help to absorb moisture, but will also brighten up you home.
1. English Ivy
The gardening expert explained that English Ivy can help to remove airborne mould, as well as other nasties too.
Ivy grow best in bright, indirect sunlight, and needs regular watering.
Ivy plants are toxic to pets[/caption]
However, its leaves can be toxic to pets, so remember to keep the plant away from them.
You can buy an ivy plant from B&Q for just £4.
2 Peace Lily
Chris said: “The peace lily loves the shades and thrives in high humidity so is the perfect choice for areas prone to mould.”
The expert added: “This plant has beautiful white flowers but can be toxic to pets so keep it out their way.”
You can pick up a peace lily from Homebase for £5.
3. Palms
Palms are another great houseplant that help to absorb moisture, and keep mould at bay.
Varieties to look out for include areca palms, bamboo palms, lady palms, dwarf date palms and reed palms.
Palms help to absorb condensation[/caption]
You can buy an areca palm from B&Q for £24.99
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
4. Boston Fern
Chris explained that Boston ferns thrive in moist climates and naturally absorb air moisture and balance humidity levels.
They need to be watered regularly, and should be placed in indirect sunlight.
You can pick up a Boston fern from B&Q[/caption]
You can pick up a Boston fern from B&Q for £14.99.
5. Snake Plant
Snake plants can grow perfectly fine in areas with low light or without a window, so are perfect for placing in the bathroom.
You can pick one up from B&Q for £14.99.
Snake plants can survive in areas with little light[/caption]
6. Orchid
Orchids are another plant which help to reduce humidity in the home.
They also look stunning, and can be purchased from Homebase for as little as £6.
Orchids are a stunning addition to any home[/caption]
7. Spider Plant
Chris said: “This is a popular indoor plant which is great at removing harmful pollutants in the home.
“It’s easy to look after too and will need watering around once or twice a week.”
You can purchase a spider plant for £12.99 from B&Q.
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