Mould can be a lingering issue that makes people unwell and plagues homes with ugly black markings.
Paying for mould removal can cost hundreds, but don't panic if you don't have any spare cash at the moment because B&Q has a more natural solution. The DIY chain is selling a £7.50 plant that will reportedly keep your home free of mould.
Cleaning expert Kerry Hale from Mira Showers told the Express : “Because the bathroom is often the most humid room in the house, mould and mildew is a common problem that many – if not all of us – have experienced at some point, mainly caused by lingering moisture, leaky taps, and damp cellulose materials.
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“There are a few simple ways that you can prevent mould from appearing though."
The £7.50 B&Q plant that will make sure no mould ever grows in your house or flat (Image: B&Q)
Peace Lily plants are purifying, and don't need much sunlight to survive - making them a great choice for bathrooms without windows.
Other plants that can help banish mould are:
English Ivy
The English Ivy, which can remove airborne mould from humid spaces, is a great choice for smaller bathrooms. It can be placed in a hanging pot or on top of a cabinet.
Boston Fern
This is a great option for humid bathrooms, as it is a plant that thrives in indirect sunlight and moist soil.
Reed Palms
Reed Palms can keep humidity at bay in the bathroom by absorbing moisture through their leaves. They can survive in low light, so they are perfect for keeping inside the home.
Tillandsia
Tillandsia is more convenient for those bathrooms with windows as they thrive in filtered sunlight and absorb moisture through their leaves. The damp-eating plants absorb moisture through their leaves, so they’re great for combatting persistent humidity problems in the home.
Kerry explained: "Purifying plants can be effective in lowering the humidity in the air, helping break down existing mould and preventing more from developing – English Ivy, Peace Lily, Boston Fern are some nice choices, and Tillandsia can be great too if you have a bright window."
As well as buying purifying plants, there are other ways you can help to reduce the chance of mould.
Open the window after a shower
Opening the window after having a shower will allow any excess moisture in the air to disperse naturally. Good ventilation reduces the chance of condensation settling on the wall and ceiling.
If there are no windows in the bathroom, a ventilator fan or dehumidifier could be a good addition in order to get rid of the excess humidity.
Kerry said: "If you have a window in your bathroom, opening it straight after you’ve showered will allow excess moisture in the air to disperse naturally and reduce condensation settling on the walls, ceilings and around the windows."
Wipe around the shower
To help stop mould from setting into the shower, wipe down the whole area, including shower trays and wall panels, to remove any excess condensation.
Kerry commented: “If you don’t have a window, wiping around the shower will help remove the excess condensation that could turn into mould."
Stick to a regular cleaning routine
Another important tip is to stick to a cleaning routine as a clean and dry bathroom is less prone to mould.
Washing the towels and bathmats regularly, and hanging wet towels and bathmats in dry, well-ventilated areas also helps prevent mould.
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