With autumn on its way, you might have begun to notice the air growing considerably more brisk outdoors. And alongside the dropping temperatures comes a variety of potential complications for your property – such as excessive condensation blanketing your windows upon waking each morning.
The misty glass isn’t merely an inconvenience to clear away daily, as it can also trigger more severe difficulties if left unaddressed. That’s why many people will be looking for ways to get rid of condensation without a dehumidifier.
For instance, the increased humidity in the atmosphere creates the perfect breeding grounds for mould to flourish, especially in moisture-prone or poorly-lit spaces like the bathroom.
While there are cleaning hacks for mould, it’s better to prevent it appearing in the first place. However, don’t despair, there’s a straightforward solution to this dilemma.
Indoor plants offer an excellent method to tackle the issue organically by reducing humidity levels in the atmosphere, leading to reduced condensation and ultimately less mould development.
Gardening specialist Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk explained: “Condensation is a problem a lot of households will face during the winter. Too much of it can cause some serious problems and lead to mould growth. The good news is there are ways to control this and prevent condensation from forming in the first place.
“If your windows are particularly steamy, it means you need to bring down the moisture levels in your home and plants can help do this.”
Adding some pretty houseplants is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your home, and luckily there are plenty that require minimal upkeep and are perfect for keeping moisture at bay. Here are a few that the gardening gurus recommend.
1. English Ivy
English Ivy eliminates airborne mould and other unpleasant elements. It thrives best in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering to survive. However, experts have issued a warning to keep it away from pets, as its leaves are poisonous to them.
2. Peace Lily
The peace lily adores the shade and flourishes in high humidity, making it the ideal choice for areas prone to mould. It absorbs moisture from the air through its leaves and doesn’t need direct sunlight to thrive. Be warned, however, this plant has stunning white flowers that can be toxic to pets, so keep it out of their reach.
3. Palms
Palms are an excellent choice to help control humidity and keep mould at bay, absorbing moisture through their leaves. Varieties to look out for include Areca palms, bamboo palms, the lady palm, dwarf date palm and reed palm.
4. Snake Plant
Also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, this robust and adaptable plant is another mould-loving variety. It grows best in bright light but will also grow just fine in low light. They love warm temperatures, making them ideal to keep in the bathroom, and require occasional watering.
5. Orchids
Orchids are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also aid in reducing humidity within the home. They absorb all their nutrients and moisture from the surrounding air, effectively extracting it from the atmosphere.
6. Spider plant
This popular indoor plant is excellent at eliminating harmful pollutants within the home. Spider plants are also inexpensive – Gardening Express currently sell an indoor spider plant for just £3.99. It’s also easy to maintain, requiring watering approximately once or twice a week.
