Six Houseplants You Can Buy to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

As fall and winter approach, many homes are faced with the problem of nasty mold.

Mold can grow almost anywhere and all year round, but is most common when temperatures drop.

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Luckily, there are plenty of cheap tricks and tips to keep your home mold-free, including the natural trick that also adds a splash of color to any room.

Jo Trotman from The Residence Collection told Express.co.uk about six plants you can buy to help reduce mould.

Peace Lilies

A spoon plant is not only a beautiful addition to any room with its white flowers, the leaves are also very good at dehumidifying the air. A win-win situation.

They like shade and high humidity, making them ideal for a bathroom where mold grows.

You can buy this plant from most garden centres or now for just £7.50 from B&Q.

English Ivy

This is the perfect plant for windowsills with blinds or a shady spot.

It is one of the best remedies against fungus, thanks to its dense foliage.

Jo said the plant is “very effective at removing unwanted mold spores from homes and absorbing extra moisture.”

However, the leaves are poisonous to pets and should therefore always be kept in a place where animals cannot get to them.

You can also buy English ivy for next to nothing, as it originates from the UK. A plant will set you back just £4 at B&Q right now.

Spider plant

Spider plants can filter air pollutants while absorbing moisture, making them a valuable addition to most homes.

It is a low maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, making it the ideal plant for any room.

Spider plants also produce young plants quickly, meaning you can have several new plants from the original you bought.

Boston ferns

According to Jo Boston, ferns are great for creating an environment that is “less favorable to fungal growth.”

And if you’re not known for your gardening skills, the low-maintenance Boston fern might be for you.

“The Boston Fern thrives in humid climates and will naturally absorb moisture from the air and balance the humidity in your home,” according to experts at Country gardener explained.

Place it in a sunny spot in your home and make sure it gets enough moisture. The plant will do all the work for you.

Snake Plants

Sanseverias can help to reduce humidity and thus prevent mold formation.

You can also buy one from Homebase for just £10. Not only will it add a splash of colour to your home, it will also help prevent mould.

Place the plant in a sunny spot and water it regularly. Then this plant will do all the hard work for you.

Aloe vera

Jo said this plant is a “natural mold fighter” because of its impressive anti-fungal and moisture absorbing leaves.

Place the plant in a sunny spot in front of the window and water it regularly. This will prevent the humidity in the house from decreasing and mold from developing.

Common Bathroom Habits That Contribute to Mold Growth

Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the everyday habits that increase the likelihood of mould growing in homes.

Leaving wet towels and bath mats on the floor

Wet towels and bath mats on the floor after showering or bathing can increase humidity, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold spores.

To prevent this, hang towels and bath mats in a place where they can dry quickly and wash them regularly.

Do not turn on the fan

An extractor fan is essential to reduce humidity in the bathroom.

When you take a hot shower or bath, steam causes the humidity in the room to increase. This creates an ideal environment for mold to grow on walls, ceilings and other surfaces.

An extractor fan ensures that moist air is moved outside, which significantly reduces the chance of mold growth.

Experts advise turning on the fan while showering and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to reduce humidity.

Ignore small leaks

Even small leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased humidity in the bathroom, creating an environment where mold can thrive.

Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mold growth in less visible areas, such as interior walls or under the floor.

Repair leaks as soon as possible to prevent mold and possible structural damage.

Keep shower curtains or doors closed

If you keep the shower closed after use, moisture will remain in the shower. This will slow the drying process and create a damp environment that promotes mold growth.

Mold can easily develop on shower curtains, doors and tile grout if they remain wet for too long.

To prevent this, you can leave the shower door or shower curtain open after use to improve air circulation and dry the room faster.

Storing too many products

Shower caddys and nooks full of bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow, trap moisture and create hidden, damp niches where mold can grow unnoticed.

Keep as few shampoo and shower gel bottles in the refrigerator as possible and clean and dry the areas underneath regularly to prevent mold growth.