How to Keep Mold Away During the Holidays: Tips for a Healthy Home

The holiday season is a time for festive celebrations, cozy gatherings, and decking the halls. However, it’s also a time when hidden mold problems can creep into your home, threatening your holiday cheer. Between damp weather, extra decorations, and increased indoor activity, the risk of mold growth can spike. Here’s how to keep your home mold-free while enjoying the season.

Why Mold Loves the Holidays

Mold thrives in warm, damp, and humid environments, and several holiday factors can inadvertently create ideal conditions:

Wet Weather: Snow and rain tracked indoors can create damp carpets and floors.
Extra Clutter: Decorations and storage boxes may trap moisture in poorly ventilated areas.
Holiday Cooking: Increased cooking and baking add humidity to your home.
Guests and Events: More people mean more humidity, spills, and forgotten wet towels.

Tips to Prevent Mold During the Holidays

Inspect Decorations Before Bringing Them Inside

Stored holiday decorations can harbor mold if kept in damp basements, attics, or garages.
Inspect and clean decorations before using them and dispose of any items with visible mold.

Keep Floors and Carpets Dry

Use doormats to catch snow, rain, and mud before they make it inside.
Encourage guests to remove wet shoes at the door and mop up puddles immediately.

Control Indoor Humidity

Use a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50%.
Run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce moisture from showers and cooking.

Dry Christmas Trees and Greenery

Fresh trees and wreaths can carry moisture that promotes mold growth.
Shake off excess water before bringing greenery inside and avoid overwatering your tree.

Monitor Heating Systems

Ensure heating vents and ducts are clean and unobstructed.
Regular maintenance prevents moisture buildup caused by inefficient systems.

Store Holiday Decorations Properly

Use airtight plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, which absorb moisture.
Avoid storing items in damp areas like basements without adequate ventilation.

Clean Up Quickly After Events

Spilled drinks, food, and damp towels left after parties can create mold-friendly environments.
Clean spills immediately and dry wet surfaces thoroughly.

What to Do If You Spot Mold

If you notice mold in your home:

Act quickly. Clean small patches with a solution of water and vinegar or a mold-specific cleaner.
Call a professional. For larger infestations, professional mold remediation may be necessary.
Address the source. Fix any leaks or moisture problems to prevent mold from returning.

A Mold-Free Holiday Is a Happy Holiday

By staying proactive and keeping your home dry, you can enjoy a holiday season that’s healthy and hassle-free. From safeguarding your decorations to controlling indoor humidity, small steps can make a big difference in keeping mold at bay.

We believe no one deserves to live in fear of their home making them sick – at Reliable we help people find peace of mind by restoring the health and safety of their home after water, fire, and mold damage.