Bathrooms are the area of the home mould is most likely to grow (Image: Getty)
Winter is a time when many people may be worried about and dampness in their homes, but there is a simple way to prevent them naturally with just one product.
Mould is more likely to appear during colder weather as fewer people open windows, which means moisture cannot escape and will begin to build up.
If there is too much moisture inside a room, will form on walls or windows, creating the perfect environment for mould spores to begin growing.
tend to be among the worst-affected areas of the home. Tiles and appliances are constantly wet if they are not wiped down after a shower, and mould can only grow in areas with lots of moisture.
However, Petya Holevich, an expert cleaner who has partnered with , has shared that you can “banish” bathroom mould easily if you own certain . Petya said: “Some houseplants can lower the humidity in the air, which can help break down existing mould and prevent more developing.”
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Houseplants are a natural and simple way to stop mould growing (Image: Getty)
It may sound bizarre, but many tropical houseplants come from humid and hot rainforests where they can only survive by absorbing moisture in the air around them.
Houseplants not only remove excess humidity from a room, but some can also purify the air and remove mould spores and other toxins to prevent them from spreading.
One of the most beautiful yet practical plants you can own is a peace lily. It has elegant white petals and grows on the floors of rainforests in the wild, so it does not need much care.
The only downside to peace lilies is that the sap is poisonous, so it is best avoided if you have children or curious cats and dogs in your home.
Petya said: “These purifying plants need very little sunlight to survive, so they’re an excellent choice for bathrooms without windows. However, peace lilies can be toxic to animals if consumed, so keep them out of reach from pets.”
Another plant that is very low-maintenance but still excellent at stopping mould is reed palms, which are green leafy plants that are a popular choice for bathrooms as they do not require much care.
Plants like peace lilies naturally absorb moisture in the air to prevent dampness and condensation (Image: Getty)
Petya said: “Found in some of the most tropical regions on earth, palms can keep humidity at bay in your bathroom by absorbing moisture through their leaves. Unlike other palms, the Reed Palm can survive in low light, so it’s perfect for keeping inside the home.”
If you want another green leafy plant that helps dispel mould, you could also decorate your home with Boston ferns. However, you need to be careful where you place them, as they will require a window.
Tillandsia are a flowering dessert plant known for their pink petals, and will also absorb any moisture in a room, but like Boston ferns, they will need a window to survive.
Petya said: “If your bathroom has a bright window, this is the damp-eating plant for you. Tillandsia plants thrive in filtered sunlight and absorb moisture through their leaves, so they’re great for combatting persistent humidity problems in the home.”
One last plant you should consider is English ivy. It is one of the best air-purifying plants and will absorb any spores in the air. However, note that it is also toxic to pets if its leaves are ingested.
Petya added: “English Ivy is a great choice for smaller bathrooms, as it can remove airborne mould from humid spaces. Plant it in a hanging pot or place it on top of a cabinet if you’re short on space.”