Winter is always a difficult season for keeping mould and damp at bay. This year, however, with many struggling to pay their heating bills, there will be even greater challenges, especially after chancellor Jeremy Hunt's autumn budget statement left billpayers fearing even greater hardships to come.
With this in mind, many are looking for ways to keep harmful mould and damp out of their homes, at a time when simply turning the heating on and getting the house warmed up may not be an option. As well as looking unsightly, mould can seriously harm a person's health if not addressed, and thrives particularly well in rooms where there’s moisture, humidity, or chilly corners.
It's understood having houseplants can be a good natural way to bring moisture levels down in the air, creating a less hospitable environment for mould. With this in mind, experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have advised the best plants to place in damp, humid rooms to put a stop to mouldy patches, with a particular focus on smaller spaces.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: "Mould thrives in small spaces, especially bathrooms where there is a lot of excess moisture. Instead of using chemicals or an electric dehumidifier, adding a houseplant to the bathroom is a simple and natural solution to fight mould in a small, humid room.
"Adding greenery also purifies the air and adds a refreshing touch to your bathroom. It’s important to keep in mind that not all plants are well-adjusted to damp conditions."
According to Chris, ideal bathroom plants should adapt well to fluctuations in temperature. They should also be great at absorbing moisture and shouldn't need too much sunlight to thrive.
Peace Lilies, Palms and Snake Plants
Chris recommends peace lilies, palms and snake plants for those wanting to keep mould out of their bathrooms, as these plants are known to thrive in humid environments.
Peace lilies soak up moisture from the air through their leaves and don't necessarily need direct sunlight to flourish, making them ideal for your cramped loo. Pet owners should however make sure to keep these out of reach, as they are known to be toxic to pets.
Palms also have moisture-absorbing leaves, and are great for keeping humidity under control. There are also a wide variety of plants to chose from, including Areca palms, bamboo palms, lady palms, dwarf date palms and reed palms.
Known to be tough and adaptable, snake plants thrive in bright light and warm temperatures, and so are ideal for those with a sunny window ledge to spare.
Tillandsia
According to Chris, air plants, such as Tillandsia, don't need to be potted in soil, as their aerial roots are able to soak up humidity from hot, steamy air. Perfect for popping next to your shower.
Do you have a mould-banishing tip to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
