WITH the chilly weather now officially here, many of us are wondering about the same thing – how to keep mould and condensation at bay.
According to data by Homebrite, the problem is huge – a staggering 58 per cent of privately rented households across England are dealing with damp, mould and/or excessive cold.
But not only black mould spores can make for an unsightly mess, the common fungi, as well as dampness, can also have a negative impact on your health.
The NHS warned that those particularly vulnerable are people with respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma, as well as newborns, young children and the elderly.
Being exposed to and inhaling the mould spores can cause a range of issues, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.
In some cases mould can also cause asthma attacks.
The high street is full of what feels like a never-ending stream of chemical products to tackle this – but what if all you needed was some greenery?
That’s right, as well as adding some greenery to your home, green plants can also help improve the quality of air and keeping the air dry, one expert said.
Radiator expert Nancy Emery said: ”English ivy, peace lilies, palms, orchids and snake plants are great for removing mould spores.
The evergreen climbing vine that’s most commonly found outside, but it can substantially reduce the amount of mould in the air of your home, according to research.
Peace lilies are a good choice for areas prone to mould because they thrive in high humidity and can absorb moisture from the air.
B&Q sells a peace lily for as little as £6.
As for how to look after a peace lily, keep the compost moist but not soggy, and do not allow compost to become waterlogged.
On the other hand, peace lilies will wilt if too dry.
In terms of the best location for a peace lily, it will like moderate to bright, indirect light, and will tolerate some shade.
There are many palm plants you could choose from.
But Areca palm is a top choice for air purification and humidity reduction. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that this plant removes many toxins and produces a lot of oxygen.
B&Q sells a 12cm potted Parlour Palm – Latin name Chamaedorea Elegans – for £12.99.
It is slow-growing but dependable, and thrives in well-lit rooms or conservatories, requiring minimal maintenance throughout the year.
Orchids are native to tropical regions and are well-suited to high humidity, making them a good choice for bathrooms especially.
You can buy orchids from a variety of places – including supermarkets.
But beware, the brighter, more unusual coloured petals – such as blue – are dyed, not natural.
Snake plants are effective at removing moisture from the air, which can help reduce dampness and mould. They are especially good in warm, wet rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.
“However, it’s best to not rely solely on green plants as a method of preventing mould as they only remove a small amount of the water from the air, so it’s best to use other methods alongside this,” Nancy told Good Homes.
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
