How the £3 solution to mold is hiding in your local garden center this winter
A gardening expert has revealed six houseplants homeowners should consider buying to prevent mold and condensation in the bathroom.
As temperatures start to drop across Britain, many of us will find that our windows will too steam on cold mornings, which can lead to the development of mold.
8
8
Mold can cause a variety of health problems, such as asthma and skin irritation, and can also cause damage to your home. So it’s best to create an environment that is unattractive to spores.
With this in mind, gardening professionals @rootgrowth revealed six inexpensive houseplants that will create a “lush, mold-free room.” oasis“at your home.
English ivy
The gardeners described English ivy as a “master of air purification.”
The plants thrive in humid conditions and are therefore perfect for placement in the bathroom,
Read more houseplant stories
Make sure they are in indirect sunlight and keep the soil as moist as possible.
You can buy an ivy plant at Dobbies garden centers for only €2.50.
8
Spider plant
Spider plants are great for beginner houseplants because they are super easy to care for.
They absorb moisture well and should be placed in indirect sunlight, with evenly moist soil.
You can buy a spider plant at your local garden center for around £3.
8
Peace lily
Peace Lillies purify the air and thrive in high humidity and low light.
To keep them happy, make sure their soil is consistently moist.
However, these plants are poisonous to pets, so be sure to keep them out of their reach.
A Peace Lily costs £6 in B&Q.
8
Orchids
Orchids love the humidity in bathrooms and should get enough light.
What is mold and how do you get rid of it?
Mold is likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, product development scientist at Amaze revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mold is a common problem that many people face in the winter. Mold thrives in warm and moist conditions, so your bathroom is probably the most affected area.
“That said, most rooms in your home can be vulnerable to mold growth during the colder months.
“This is mainly due to condensation that builds up on your windows when you have radiators on.
“If you think about it, if the windows and doors are closed, there isn’t much chance for the air to circulate and for the moisture to come out quickly.
“This buildup is the cause of the dreaded mold, especially in bathrooms, as it creates a warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mold.
“If left untreated, it is not only unsightly, but can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it is very important that you treat it.
“The key to tackling mold is to act quickly.
“Try to come into contact with it as little as possible. So grab your gloves, tie your hair and get to work removing any signs of mold as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mold at bay, there are some simple solutions you can apply throughout your home.
“The first is to keep the bathroom ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months, try leaving your bathroom window open for at least 10 to 15 minutes after showering or bathing. This will quickly remove excess moisture and prevent mold from forming.
“If you have repeated problems with mold in a particular room, it may be that the humidity is too high. You can purchase a dehumidifier which will keep levels down and reduce the risk of mold returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mold is: the sooner you can treat it, the better. Leaving it alone will only make it worse, so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mold every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s number 1 mold and mildew removerthat effectively removes mold and mildew stains almost immediately, without scrubbing.”
Be sure to let the potting mix dry a little between waterings.
Orchids can be found at Homebase for £6.
8
Air plants
Air plants don’t need soil at all and thrive in warm, moist air.
Soak them in water once a week to keep them hydrated.
Five air plants will cost you £16.49 at B&Q.
8
Boston Fern
Boston ferns love moisture, making them perfect for preventing mold.
Store them in indirect sunlight, making sure they are consistently moist and provide high humidity.
A Boston Fern can be purchased from Homebase for £7.50.
8
Fabulous pays for your exclusive stories. Just email fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and put EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
