As winter rolls in with its crisp air and quieter booking calendar, it’s the perfect time to give your holiday home a little extra care. One sneaky issue that can arise during the off-season is mould—and it’s more common than you might think.
Whether your property sits on the coast or in the mountains, holiday homes are particularly vulnerable to mould in winter. But with a little know-how and a few simple steps, you can protect your home, your guests, and your peace of mind.
Why Does Mould Love Winter?
Mould thrives in damp, stagnant environments—conditions that often develop in homes left closed for long periods. And here’s why winter sets the stage for the perfect storm of mould growth:
• Lower ventilation: With doors and windows tightly shut to keep the warmth in, airflow slows down dramatically. This allows moisture to settle and build up.
• Cold surfaces: When warm, moist air comes into contact with cold walls or windows, condensation forms—and that’s mould’s best friend.
• Infrequent use: Holiday homes that sit empty for long periods may not show early signs of mould until it’s already spread.
Where Mould Likes to Hide
It often starts subtly: a musty smell, a small dark patch, or a dusty look in the wardrobe. Common trouble spots include:
• Bathrooms and laundries
• Window frames and sills
• Ceilings and room corners
• Cupboards and behind furniture
• Garages and storage areas
6 Simple Steps to Keep Mould at Bay
You don’t need to be there full-time to keep mould away—just have a good winter routine and stay proactive.
1. Ventilation Is Everything
Airflow is key. Leave internal doors open and, if it’s safe, crack a window during milder days. On chilly days, even a short blast of fresh air can help—this technique is known in Germany as Stoßlüften: a quick, wide-open airing out of rooms for 5–10 minutes. It’s far more effective than leaving a window slightly ajar all day and helps replace damp indoor air with dry outdoor air.
If the property will be unoccupied, consider installing trickle vents or passive ventilation systems to ensure continuous airflow year-round.
2. Use Moisture-Absorbing Solutions
Simple moisture absorbers can work wonders in wardrobes, under sinks, or near windows. For more persistent issues or in humid zones, a small plug-in dehumidifier can make a big difference—especially in rooms that don’t get much airflow.
3. Address Condensation Early
Regularly wiping down windows and sills helps keep moisture from becoming a bigger problem. Ask your cleaner or caretaker to look out for fogged-up glass or water pooling on ledges, especially after storms or colder nights. Even just using a towel to dry off windows weekly can make a difference in discouraging mould from taking hold.
4. Check for Hidden Leaks
Winter storms can shift roof tiles, clog gutters, or crack downpipes—leading to slow leaks you might not notice. Organise a seasonal inspection to catch issues early. Even a small leak can lead to significant mould growth if left unchecked.
5. Let Your Home Breathe Between Guests
If you have winter bookings, leave a little breathing room between check-out and check-in. A few hours of fresh air—open windows, ceiling fans, or running exhaust fans—can clear moisture from the air and reset the space.
6. Keep Wardrobes Fresh
Closed wardrobes can trap humid air, especially if they’re tightly packed. Leave the doors slightly ajar during the off-season and use natural products like charcoal bags or cedar blocks to absorb odours and moisture. Avoid sealing extra blankets, throws, or linens in plastic—natural fibres need to breathe. Fabric stored in breathable cotton bags will stay fresher and mould-free.
Peace of Mind, All Season Long
Taking a few simple steps now can save time, money, and stress later. If you’re not nearby, consider scheduling seasonal maintenance or speaking with your property manager about a Winter Watch plan.
At Kahuana, we look after our homes year-round. From regular security checks to mould and storm monitoring our team is keeping an eye out for early signs of anything that might arise while the home is unoccupied. It’s just one of the ways we make sure your home stays fresh, protected and guest-ready all year round.
Curious about how our hands-on approach could work for your holiday home? Reach out and schedule a no-obligation call —we’d love to show you the Kahuana difference.
