English Ivy (Hedera helix) is the plant famous for removing up to 78% of airborne mold. Research presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that English Ivy can neutralize this amount of airborne mold within just 12 hours.
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. Boston Fern: Who hasn't owned a Boston Fern? Time to get another — its specialty is formaldehyde removal.
1. SNAKE PLANT. Snake Plant otherwise known as the Mother-In-Law's Tongue is unique for its nighttime oxygen production, and ability to purify air through the removal of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.
To eliminate mold spores in the air, use a HEPA air purifier to trap them, and UV-C light to destroy their DNA. For immediate, natural relief in small spaces, you can diffuse antimicrobial essential oils like tea tree oil.
Certain houseplants cannot eliminate existing infestations, but they act as natural dehumidifiers by absorbing excess airborne moisture through their leaves. By keeping humidity levels balanced, these green helpers create an environment where mold struggles to take hold.
Mold toxicity (or mycotoxin illness) occurs when you are exposed to mold spores that produce toxic byproducts. These symptoms can mimic other conditions and often range from mild respiratory irritation to severe neurological and immune responses.
The time you should stay out of the house after mold remediation depends on the extent of the remediation and the methods used. Typically, it's safe to return 24 to 48 hours after the remediation process is completed. This allows time for any airborne spores to settle and for the air quality to return to safe levels.
To kill mold spores, use targeted antimicrobial agents or natural cleaners like 3% hydrogen peroxide, distilled white vinegar, or commercial biocides. Bleach only kills surface mold on non-porous materials. Always physically remove the dead spores, as they can still trigger allergic reactions.
Most mold-infested homes can be saved: Even houses with extensive mold contamination can typically be restored to safe, habitable conditions through professional remediation, though the process may be complex and costly depending on the severity of the infestation.
But the peace lily in particular was among the most effective in the study, reducing some pollutants by over 90 percent. Peace lilies are popular, common plants that can often be found for as little as $16 and are frequently sold at grocery stores.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos will tolerate lower light, humidity and temperature levels while being one of the best plants for removing all types of indoor toxins. Care Tip: While there are many different varieties of pothos, the color of the leaves will indicate the amount of light it prefers.
Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
In tests conducted by Dr. Wolverton, the Areca palm removed more toluene and xylene than any other plant. Toluene is one of the notorious 'toxic trio' (that also includes formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate) known to be hazardous to human health.
Golden pothos clears out a range of air pollutants.
As well as filtering mold, they also remove pollutants such as xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde.
The most effective natural mold killers are distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and tea tree oil. These solutions penetrate surfaces to eliminate mold spores at their roots, whereas chlorine bleach only removes surface stains and feeds the mold's moisture base.
Yes, keeping plants in your bedroom is highly beneficial. They act as natural air purifiers, regulate humidity, and significantly boost your mood and lower stress, creating a more tranquil and restful sleep environment.
To eliminate airborne mold spores, you must rely on filtration (physically trapping spores), UV sterilization (disrupting their DNA), or chemical fogging (neutralizing them in mid-air).
Research has shown that English Ivy can eliminate up to 78% of airborne mold within 12 hours. This makes it particularly useful in humid areas like bathrooms and basements where mold growth is more common.
In A Nutshell: Misconceptions About Mold
Your home can be 100% mold-free: No, there are always mold spores in the air. Anyone can effectively remove mold: No, you need professional services for that.
How to Get Rid of Airborne Mold Spores
To kill mold permanently, you must combine targeted remediation with moisture control. No product works permanently if the source of moisture remains. The most effective approach includes using specific biocides, removing infested porous materials, and managing your home's humidity.
Some of our go-to suggestions include:
Mold exposure symptoms generally mimic common upper respiratory allergies, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, a persistent cough, and itchy, watery eyes. You can usually determine if mold is the culprit by tracking whether your symptoms flare up when you are at home or work and subside when you leave those environments.
Black mold (often Stachybotrys chartarum) produces neurotoxic mycotoxins that can lead to neurological symptoms. These typically arise from prolonged exposure or inhalation and include persistent headaches, brain fog, memory loss, dizziness, and unexplained mood changes like anxiety and depression.
Leaving mold in your house allows it to aggressively spread, slowly rotting wood, drywall, and carpets. Prolonged exposure releases airborne spores and mycotoxins, which can trigger respiratory distress, asthma attacks, chronic fatigue, and—in severe cases or vulnerable individuals—serious fungal infections.