Rubber Tree. Whether in burgundy or regular green, rubber trees (also known as rubber plants) will produce lots of oxygen—more than any other plant, in fact! In addition to producing oxygen and eliminating air toxins, the rubber tree effectively removes mold spores and bacteria from the air (by up to 60%).
Many species of indoor plants can actually help absorb mold and spores. Studies have shown that rooms with air-filtering houseplants can improve this air quality by 60%. It is highly recommended to keep one good sized house plant per 100 square feet to help clean polluted or dirt-filled air.
Use dehumidifiers to keep relative humidity indoors between 30-50%. Utilize windows, doors, and exhaust fans to keep bathrooms and kitchens dry. Clean shower curtains and bathroom tiles regularly with mold-killing products. Vent appliances that produce moisture to the outside whenever possible.
English Ivy: A Christmastime favorite that's a year-round keeper because it filters 78 percent of airborne mold in 12 hours. Dwarf Date Palm: Loves xylene and other pollutants.
Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth.
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Florist's chrysanthemums or “mums” are ranked the highest for air purification. They're shown to eliminate common toxins as well as ammonia. Treat yourself to a fresh pot, as this flower only blooms for about six weeks.
Mould spores remain airborne for an indefinite period of time. It's important to recognise that if a damp spot is present and unattended for longer than 24 hours, there is a high possibility that mould could fester and airborne spores begin congregating throughout the premises.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause a person to become allergic to mold. Molds can trigger asthma symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough in people with known allergies. People who do not have allergies can also become irritated.
It's also possible for mold to form a ball in your lungs. This condition is called aspergilloma when caused by an Aspergillus mold. The ball most often stays in your lungs but can lead to tissue damage. Symptoms commonly include shortness of breath, cough, or coughing up blood.
They can also bring down humidity and moisture levels in the air through their leaves, which ultimately can reduce the risk of mould developing - particularly in rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen. Research shows that rooms with plants can have anywhere from 40 to 60 percent fewer mould spores and bacteria.
Spider Plant
NASA's study found that spider plants were able to remove 95% of chemicals from the air in 24 hours. Spider plants filter toxins including: carbon monoxide.
Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem. The best way to find mold is to look for signs of mold growth, water staining, warping, or to follow your nose to the source of the odor.
A solution of warm, distilled water and saline can also help rinse your nasal passages of mold spores and remove congestion. OTC medications. Antihistamines, like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin), reduce your immune system response, minimizing airway inflammation.
Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
increased risk of upper and lower respiratory symptoms. chronic sinusitis. fatigue. organ damage.
Mold spores are very tiny and light-weight so they float in the air for a long time. Common places to find mold growth are in the bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit.
To reduce VOCs enough to impact air quality would require around 10 plants per square foot. In a small 500-square foot apartment, that's 5,000 plants, a veritable forest.
To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home. Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home's humidity at a home improvement store.
Does vinegar kill mildew and mold? Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it can be a cheap and effective treatment for many types of mold.