Autumn can be a very cosy time as long as you have a clean home, but it is very easy for damp and mould to begin to grow, which will make your living area really uncomfortable. Mould tends to become a problem in September since most people keep their windows closed once the weather gets cold and this can cause a build up of condensation indoors.
Any humidity in your home will cause water droplets to form on surfaces, which will quickly turn into damp, then mould and then will destroy your wallpaper, paintwork or wooden frames. Luckily, Richard Barker, commercial director of LBS Horticulture, has spoken to the Express and shared a simple method to prevent mould using certain houseplants.
Richard said: “There are several ways in which you can use houseplants to help with mould in your home. Some plants are air purifiers and can remove toxins that cause mould growth, some absorb excess moisture to reduce humidity, and others naturally filter out airborne mould spores.”
How do houseplants keep mould out of your home?
There are many houseplants where their natural habitats are in rainforests, and need to absorb moisture from the air to survive as they naturally grow under trees that block most rainfall.
Mould and damp can only survive in a hot and humid environment, but plants can absorb any excess moisture in the air to help get rid of any condensation.
This can greatly reduce the chance of getting any mould stains on your walls, but some plants can also absorb toxins and mould spores to purify the air.
Houseplants not only make your home looking beautiful, but will keep mould spores away, reduce humidity and also improve the air quality so you can keep your home comfy this autumn.
What houseplants should you buy to prevent mould?
One of the best plant that reduces mould are snake plants, which are spiky plants with upright leaves that are usually recommended for people that have never had houseplants before since they are so difficult to kill.
Richard said: “Snake plants are hardy and can thrive on neglect, making them a good choice for people who have a mould problem but are beginners to taking care of houseplants. Like many other plants, it can purify the air and remove toxins.”
However, it should be noted that snake plants are toxic to both cats and dogs, but a safer alternative are spider plants, which also reduce humidity and mould in a home.
Richard added: “Spider plants are air purifying, and will absorb the pollutants thatnwould otherwise encourage mould growth. It can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it good for many different areas with mould problems.”
If you are interested in a prettier plant then orchids are very colourful flowers which can also improve the air conditions to keep mould away, while peace lilies have elegant white flower spikes and are known to absorb lots of humidity.
Richard said: “Peace lily is another air purifier, and it can remove mould spores, dust and bacteria from the air. This plant thrives in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms, which can be the rooms in your home that are the most prone to mould growth.”
Make sure to also consider Boston ferns and aloe vera, as they might not be as beautiful as peace lilies or orchids but can filter out toxins that might be in your air.
Richard said: “Aloe vera has natural antimicrobial properties, which can reduce bacteria and mould growth. It can also aid with the excessive humidity that can cause mould.”
He added: “Boston fern is another plant that is great for humid areas because it has a high transpiration.”
However, no matter what houseplant you choose, all six are fantastic ways to prevent mould and dampness being a problem during the cold seasons so you can naturally keep your home cleaner and warmer.