When it comes to keeping your bathroom or laundry room fresh, most people reach for air fresheners, deodorizers, or harsh chemical sprays.
But what if there was a natural way to clean the air, reduce mold growth, and make the room smell fresher – without a single chemical?
Enter the peace lily (Spathiphyllum). More than just a pretty indoor plant with its signature white blooms and glossy green leaves, the peace lily is a hardworking natural purifier.
Placing one in your bathroom or laundry room could improve air quality, reduce mold spores, and help your home feel cleaner and healthier.
Why Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms Need Peace Lilies
High Humidity = Mold Growth
Bathrooms and laundry areas are naturally damp environments. Moisture lingers after hot showers, baths, or even from drying clothes.
This creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause musty odors, allergies, and respiratory issues.
Chemical Exposure
These rooms are also places where household chemicals build up – detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, shampoos, deodorants, and sprays all release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Long-term exposure can affect indoor air quality and health.
Limited Ventilation
Many bathrooms and laundry rooms lack good airflow. Without windows or strong ventilation, humidity and toxins remain trapped indoors.
This is where peace lilies shine. They thrive in low light, high humidity, and actively clean the air while discouraging mold growth.
How Peace Lilies Fight Mold
The peace lily is often called a “natural dehumidifier” plant. While it doesn’t replace an actual dehumidifier, it helps regulate moisture levels in the air.
Absorbs Humidity: Through its leaves, the peace lily pulls in excess moisture from the air, reducing the dampness mold needs to thrive.
Traps Mold Spores: Its broad, glossy leaves can catch airborne mold spores, preventing them from spreading.
Root Zone Microbes: The soil around the peace lily houses beneficial microbes that break down mold spores and bacteria naturally.
Pro Tip: Place your peace lily close to the shower or laundry machine where steam builds up. It will soak up moisture and keep mold under control.
Peace Lilies as Natural Air Purifiers
One of the most famous studies on indoor plants, NASA’s Clean Air Study, found that peace lilies are among the top houseplants for filtering toxins.
Here are some harmful pollutants peace lilies can absorb:
Benzene: Found in detergents, paints, plastics, and cigarette smoke.
Formaldehyde: Released from cleaning products, synthetic fabrics, and pressed wood furniture.
Trichloroethylene: Common in laundry products and adhesives.
Toluene & Xylene: Found in detergents, nail polish, and fabric care products.
By neutralizing these VOCs, peace lilies make your bathroom and laundry room feel fresher – without artificial sprays.
Extra Benefit: Natural Air Freshener
While peace lilies don’t release strong fragrances, their ability to reduce mold, absorb toxins, and balance humidity leaves the air smelling fresher.
Add in their elegant white flowers, and you’ve got a plant that doubles as both purifier and décor.
Some varieties even release a light floral scent when in bloom, adding a touch of nature’s perfume to your bathroom.
How to Care for Peace Lilies in Bathrooms & Laundry Rooms
The beauty of peace lilies is that they’re low-maintenance and perfect for beginners. But if you want them to thrive and bloom, follow these care tips:
1. Lighting Needs
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