I’m a gardening expert – these 7 houseplants prevent mold in your bathroom

September 18, 2024

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I’m a gardening expert – these 7 houseplants prevent mold in your bathroom

A gardening expert has revealed seven houseplants that homeowners should consider buying to prevent mold and condensation in the bathroom.

As temperatures begin to drop across the UK, many of us will find that our windows are starting to heat up again. steam on cold mornings, which can lead to mold growth.

Peace lilies can help prevent mold in the homeSource: IKEA

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress said: “Condensation is a common problem in the winter months, but too much can become a major problem and lead to mould growth.

“To prevent condensation, you need to reduce the humidity in your home. Houseplants are a great natural solution to balance humidity.”

Chris recommended seven plants that will not only absorb moisture but also brighten up your home.

1. English Ivy

The gardening expert explained that ivy can help remove mold in the air, as well as other nasty things.

Ivy grows best in bright, indirect sunlight and needs regular watering.

Ivy plants are poisonous to petsPhoto: Getty

However, the leaves can be poisonous to pets, so keep the plant away from pets.

At B&Q you can buy an ivy plant for just £4.

2 Peace Lily

Chris said: “The peace lily likes shade and thrives in high humidity, so it is the perfect choice for areas prone to mildew.”

The expert added: “This plant has beautiful white flowers, but can be toxic to pets, so keep it away from pets.”

For £5 you can buy a peace lily from Homebase.

Five tips to get rid of mold

3. Palms

Palms also make great houseplants. They absorb moisture and help prevent mold.

Species to look out for include areca palms, bamboo palms, lady palms, dwarf date palms, and reed palms.

Palms help absorb condensationPhoto: Getty

You can buy an areca palm from B&Q for £24.99

What is mold and how do you get rid of it?

During the winter months there is a greater chance of mold developing.

Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at To amaze revealed exactly why this is the case.

“Unfortunately, mold is a common problem that many people face during the winter. Mold thrives in warm, humid conditions, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected area.

“That being said, during the colder months, most rooms in your home can be susceptible to mold growth.

“This is mainly caused by condensation that forms on your windows when you turn on the radiators.

“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, the air can’t circulate properly and the moisture can’t escape quickly.

“This build-up can cause the dreaded mold to grow, especially in bathrooms, as it creates a warm, moist environment that is a breeding ground for mold.

“If left untreated, it is not only unsightly, but can also pose a serious health risk. That is why it is very important to treat it.

“The key to dealing with mold is to act quickly.

“Try to avoid contact with it as much as possible. So grab your gloves, tie your hair up and get to work removing all signs of mold as soon as you notice them.

To prevent mold, there are a number of simple solutions that you can implement throughout your home.

“The first is to ventilate it. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes after showering or bathing. This will quickly remove excess moisture and prevent mold from forming.

“If you have recurring mold in a particular area, it may be because the humidity is too high. You can purchase a dehumidifier that will help keep the humidity down and reduce the risk of mold recurring.

“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mold is: the sooner you can treat it, the better. If you leave it alone, it will only get worse, so never ignore it!

“To successfully remove mold every time, I recommend opting for the The UK’s No. 1 Mould & Mildew Removerthat removes mold and mildew stains almost instantly, without the need for scrubbing.”