If you are worried about mould there is a very cheap method to keep it away that does not involve chemical products or doing any cleaning at all.
February often brings lashing rain and howling winds that keep most of us firmly indoors, but sadly this soggy weather can wreak havoc inside our homes too. Mould becomes a major headache during this period, as the bitter cold means windows stay shut tight, allowing humidity levels to soar indoors.
Excess moisture in the air builds up from daily routines like showering, cooking or hanging washing inside. A telltale sign that mould could be brewing is water droplets trickling down windows – otherwise known as condensation – which can seep onto windowsills and create the perfect breeding ground for spores to thrive in wallpaper, timber or nearby furnishings.
Fortunately, the team at Plants For All Seasons have revealed a natural yet powerful solution to combat mould and condensation, as specific houseplants are brilliant at absorbing excess humidity.
They explained: “Mould and condensation can be a common problem in homes, particularly in areas with high humidity. Certain houseplants can help to remove excess moisture from the air and reduce the growth of mould and mildew.”
Various tropical species that have become staple houseplants across Britain naturally thrive on rainforest floors, where they receive limited rainfall due to the dense canopy overhead, reports the Express.
These plants are capable of drawing moisture from the air through their foliage, helping to reduce indoor humidity levels and making it far less likely for mould or condensation to take hold. But you don’t need to splash the cash on some fancy exotic specimen to tackle dampness, as plenty of everyday houseplants do the trick brilliantly – and most are available at your local supermarket.
Which houseplants help banish condensation and mould?
Golden Pothos
Golden pothos boast gorgeous heart-shaped foliage often decorated with striking green-and-yellow markings. They’re incredibly easy-going – even if you neglect watering duties for a fortnight, they’ll typically recover without fuss.
You can pop them in any damp spot around your home, though bear in mind they’re mildly poisonous to pets, so position them somewhere elevated, well away from curious cats or dogs.
Peace lilies
Peace lilies are a brilliant choice for combating mould whilst also being absolutely stunning, with their generous, glossy leaves and elegant white blooms.
Not only do they tackle excess moisture, but they’re renowned for purifying the air of nasties, and they typically thrive without much natural light, meaning they’ll happily sit in practically any nook in your house.
That said, peace lilies are also toxic to pets if nibbled, and they can be a bit finicky about their watering routine, so they’ll need a touch more attention.
Boston ferns
Boston ferns are celebrated for their delicate, almost feathery fronds that look wonderfully lush and full. They absolutely adore humidity and are also known to help trap airborne dust particles.
This makes it an ideal choice for pet owners, as it poses no risk to cats and dogs. The main drawback is its sensitivity to cold draughts and direct sunlight, so it’s best positioned at a safe distance from windows.
Spider plants
Spider plants feature elongated leaves that spread outwards, adorned with distinctive white striped markings. These relatively slow-growing specimens are remarkably tolerant if you occasionally slip up on watering duties.
They’re also completely safe around pets and celebrated for their air-cleansing qualities, as they can eliminate pollutants from indoor spaces.
What’s particularly appealing about spider plants is their tendency to produce tiny plantlets, which can be snipped off and potted up to create additional houseplants at no extra cost whatsoever.
