Will Indoor Plants Prevent Mould?

CONTENTS

• What is mould?
• Can indoor plants prevent mould?
• What indoor plants can prevent mould?
• How to prevent mould
• What to do if you see mould in your house
• Get in touch

Preventing mould in natural ways can be difficult if your environment is hard to control. Devices like dehumidifiers may be too costly for some, and many might not realise there are more natural ways to reduce these factors. Although it requires more work, plants are proven to reduce humidity.

Mould is a deep-rooted issue that requires professional mould remediation services. Here at ICE Cleaning, our Dewpoint-accredited technicians provide high-quality mould removal, locating the origin of the mould and effectively eradicating it.

Read on to learn more about mould prevention and how plants can do this for you.

What is mould?

Mould is a common fungus that grows in environments that contain humidity, excess moisture, and dead organic materials for it to feed off of.

It produces airborne spores, which linger consistently in our environment and wait for the right conditions before growing. This means that mould is not killable, but it is removable and preventable with some work and vigilance.

Can indoor plants prevent mould?

Indoor plants are associated with cleaner air, contributing to the eradication of indoor pollutants like mould and dust. Studies have found that plants can naturally regulate humidity and temperature levels in confined areas by absorbing fine water vapour particles.

Another study by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) revealed that plants growing on and inside the building reduce indoor temperatures by at least 10°C. Although too many plants may increase humidity, finding the correct balance can reduce it instead.

What indoor plants can prevent mould?

Although plants may not be able to outright kill or reduce mould in your home, their natural functions can lower humidity levels. Vulnerable areas in your home will be less susceptible to mould growth, like the bathroom and kitchen. The following indoor plants could prevent mould:

Ivy Plants

Evidence provided by the RHS found that the best plant for cooling and reducing indoor temperatures are ivy plants. Various species of the ivy genus family provide this ability to reduce humidity in homes.

Palm Plants

Not only do palm plants remove pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene from the area, but their height and leaf surface length can also absorb moisture. Broadleaf lady palms or lady palms are the best in this category.

Rubber Plants

All species of the ficus elastica family are excellent air purifiers that have evolved to ward off mould spores quickly and efficiently. They also grow in dark areas, protecting vulnerable places from mould growth.

Striped Dracaena

Cornstalks, red-edged, warneck, and janet craig dracaenas are one of the best air-purifying plants, reducing some mould particles from the surrounding area.

There are more plants available that produce better air quality and reduce humidity in your home. You can prevent mould from developing by tracking humidity levels and lowering the moisture presence overall.

How to prevent mould

There are other ways to prevent mould besides using indoor plants. Some of these solutions may be more costly but effective. These methods will reduce the key factors mould need to begin growing in your home, like humidity and moisture.

By doing these small tasks every day, they contribute to a healthier and safer household. Ways you can prevent mould in your house include:

• Purchasing a dehumidifier or air purifier
• Drying clothes outdoors
• Ventilate the house regularly
• Install extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen
• Close kitchen and bathroom doors when in use

What to do if you see mould in your house

If you notice mould growing in your home, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Although DIY solutions and commercial products can remove surface mould, this will not kill it or prevent its return. Once mould has started growing, it penetrates the surface and settles within.

This makes it incredibly hard to remove without professional intervention and could lead to structural deterioration. Mould growing on fabrics like carpets or curtains is especially hard to eradicate as the mould spores permeate the threads and cling to them.

Contacting a mould removal company ensures the complete removal of all traces of mould, and you could prevent its return in the future with proper guidance.

Get in touch

At ICE Cleaning, our technicians offer effective mould removal services that target the mould at its source. We also provide you with guidance that will assist you in preventing its return, as well as our lifetime guarantee* that keeps you protected for life.

To talk to us more about our mould removal methods, call us at 0208 066 0360 or send an inquiry to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. We are available nationwide and could be on-site at your earliest convenience in an emergency. You can count on our team 24/7, 365 days a year, including bank holidays.

*subject to advisories