B&Q shoppers are loving a £4.50 terracotta buy that helps stop mould and freshens up any room with a burst of green.
The Verve Boston Fern in Terracotta Plastic Grow Pot (12cm) is a budget-friendly way to bring style and cleaner air into your home.
Rated 4.35 stars, the Boston Fern is praised for being easy to care for and perfect for brightening up living spaces.
It’s happiest in rooms kept at 15ºC or warmer, just keep the compost moist, but not soggy, and feed it once a month during spring and summer.
B&Q advises repotting only in spring if the plant becomes rootbound, using a peat-free compost and a pot one to two inches bigger.
Shoppers say the leafy fern is “lovely lush foliage” that adds instant colour and the terracotta pot makes it look more expensive than its bargain price tag.
Also with condensation and mould on the rise as wetter weather sets in, B&Q’s £6 peace lily offers a cheap, stylish and effective way to fight back.
Peace lilies (also known as Spathiphyllum) prevent mould from growing in your home by battling the hot steam and moisture that gets left behind by a relaxing shower or bath.
Or from drying your washing indoors on radiators or clothes airers when it’s too wet outside.
The peace lily is an excellent air purifier, known for its ability to remove mould spores, dust, and bacteria from the air.
It thrives in humid environments, so it’s perfect for bathrooms or other moisture-rich spaces where mould and mildew are common.
Its broad, glossy leaves act as natural filters for pollutants, including airborne mould spores and dust.
Other mould heroes
For those wanting a different option, snake plants are another natural moisture absorber.
The snake plant is a hardy plant that thrives on neglect and is well-known for its ability to purify the air by removing toxins, which can contribute to mould growth.
The snake plant also does well in low-light conditions, making it an ideal choice for rooms with limited natural light.
But while B&Q’s Peace Lily is just £6.00, snake plants typically cost far more – but B&Q has one on sale for just £14.99.
For those who prefer a non-green solution, there are plenty of clever hacks to keep windows dry and walls mould-free.
And one woman has revealed that her window ledges were riddled with black mould – and how she got rid of it with a cheap gel.
Finally, the 65p kitchen staple that banishes mould – it sucks out moisture, breaks down spores & creates a protective barrier.
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in the tile grout if they remai wet for too long[/caption]
