Wine cellars are prone to the subtle issue of mold growth. The upkeep of any wine collection, whether it’s a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or a sparkling wine, demands focus on preventing indoor mold. Good care of your wine cellar starts with realizing the effect of humidity on mold formation, and knowing how to look for and eliminate mold before it touches your corked collection.

Humidity, a critical factor in the art of preserving wines, might unintentionally form an ideal atmosphere for mold spores. If humidity levels go over 70%, the extra moisture welcomes the presence of mold. The porous quality of the wine bottle’s cork can soak up this moisture, possibly reducing the quality of the wine. This delicate situation highlights the importance of careful control of humidity and routine checks in your wine haven.

“You should replace your 1-inch air filters at least every three months. Also, it’s crucial to use an air filter able to capture pollutants like dust, dirt, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses to boost your indoor air quality”, says Andy Fox, Filtration, and Indoor Air Quality Specialist at Filtrete™ MPR 1500. “Moreover, if you own pets, burn candles, or are carrying out renovation work in other parts of your home, you should think about changing your air filter even more frequently.”

Handle humidity. Wine cabinets and basement wine cellars have higher humidity levels than other parts of the house with optimal conditions ranging between 50-70%. This range ensures the corks remain in the best condition while keeping away from excessive moisture that fuels mold. Fox points out that “In the remainder of your house, the US EPA advises keeping humidity levels below 60% and ideally within the range of 30-50%. Sustaining appropriate humidity levels helps keep mold and mildew at bay. Moisture is a requirement for mold to grow. Hence, humidity levels need careful monitoring to reduce the risk of mold spreading and growing.”

Embrace the use of fans for air circulation. Gentle air circulation is vital to avoid the formation of humid pockets that might encourage mold growth. It’s therefore essential to ensure your space is well-ventilated.

Opt for mold-resistant materials. You should always go for paints and building materials that are designed to prevent mold growth.

Keep temperature fluctuations to a minimum. It’s essential to keep your cellar’s temperature steady, ideally within the 55-58°F (12-14°C) range. Any deviation from this range can increase the risk of mold development in your wine cellar space.

Carry out routine checks. Make sure you regularly check your cellar for any leaks, water damage, or early signs of mold infiltration. Furthermore, regular cleaning and dusting off the surfaces to remove possible mold spore sources is highly recommended. Remember, the key to effective mold prevention lies in early detection and swift remediation.

Photo by Emre Katmer on Unsplash

Safety first. Prioritize safety by wearing protective gear – gloves, a mask, and safety goggles – to minimize exposure to airborne mold spores during the cleaning process.

Isolate and remove affected items. If the spore concentration is localized, isolate the area to prevent further spread. Remove affected items for inspection and careful cleaning.

Dry clean affected areas. Begin with dry cleaning using a soft brush or cloth to eliminate loose fungal spores. Dispose of cleaning materials cautiously.

Use a natural cleaning solution.

– Scrub hard, non-porous surfaces using vinegar acetic acid. Vinegar’s natural acidity is an effective mold combatant and a great alternative to bleach.
– If you are dealing with stubborn black mold, hydrogen peroxide can be applied directly or mixed with water. Leave it to sit, then gently scrub.
– To prepare a natural antifungal solution, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply, scrub and rinse to get rid of mold and odors.

Employ commercial cleaners or professional mold remediation services. Specialized mold cleaning products and bleach solutions can aid in preventing mold formation and infestation. For severe mold concerns, it is recommended to hire mold remediation experts.

The ‘activation’ process for carbon in a ‘charcoal’ filter results in numerous tiny pores within the carbon that trap many odors and VOC’s that can’t be captured by a standard filter. This was explained by Fox. The efficiency of the filter relies heavily on the amount of activated carbon used, as such, filters with a high volume of activated carbon, like the Filtrete™ MPR 1200 Odor Reduction Air Filter, are recommended. In this case, the activated carbon layer functions as an odor eliminator for pet smells, smoke, cooking, mildew and cleaning chemicals.

By maintaining a balance between humidity control, diligent cleaning, and preventive measures, you can prevent mold growth in your wine cellar. Take steps to ensure your wine collection remains impeccably preserved. Cheers!