Preventing Mold & Managing Moisture
A Winter Guide to Keeping Your Apartment Healthy and Comfortable
Winter is a wonderful time of year—but it’s also when moisture problems are most likely to appear inside apartments, especially in well-insulated buildings with modern windows…or in older buildings that haven’t been resealed in a while. Well, basically everywhere is subject to mold and mildew, so we must take extra care.
In cities like Vienna and Budapest, many apartments are sealed tightly to keep warmth in. While this is great for energy efficiency, it also means moisture has nowhere to escape unless we actively ventilate. Without proper airflow, humidity builds up, and that’s when mold can form.
This guide explains why mold happens, where to look for it, and what you can do to prevent it, especially during the colder months.
🛠 Why Moisture & Mold Are a Winter Issue
Mold doesn’t appear because an apartment is “dirty.” It appears when:
Warm, moist air can’t escape
Surfaces stay cool and damp
Furniture blocks airflow
Bathrooms and bedrooms aren’t ventilated regularly
Modern windows, while excellent for insulation, do not allow natural air exchange. If windows stay closed for long periods in winter, humidity rises quickly—often without you noticing.
🌬 Proper Ventilation Basics
Ventilation is the single most important tool for preventing mold.
Best practices:
Air out the apartment regularly, even in winter
Open windows fully (not tilted) for 5–10 minutes
Do this every few days, ideally daily
In colder rooms, turn down the heat, close the door, ventilate briefly, then close the window again
Fresh air replaces moist indoor air quickly—without cooling walls or furniture too much.
🚫 Why Drying Clothes Indoors Can Cause Problems
Drying laundry inside releases a surprising amount of moisture into the air. Without proper ventilation, that moisture settles on:
Exterior walls
Corners
Windows
Behind furniture
If you must dry clothes indoors:
Ventilate the room during and after
Keep doors closed to limit moisture spread
Never dry clothes directly against walls or radiators
🕵️ Where to Check Regularly for Mold
Mold often starts out of sight. Please check these areas regularly:
Behind wardrobes, dressers, and beds
Along exterior walls
Corners of bedrooms and living rooms
Around windows and window frames
Bathrooms (especially ceilings and grout lines)
Furniture should always have a small gap from exterior walls to allow air circulation.
🚿 Bathroom Ventilation & Grout Care
Bathrooms are naturally high-moisture areas and need extra attention.
After showering:
Run the bathroom fan (if present)
Open the bathroom window or door
Wipe down tiles, glass, and silicone seals
Avoid leaving wet towels bunched up in the room
To reduce mildew:
Keep surfaces dry whenever possible
Clean grout and silicone regularly
Don’t allow water to sit on ledges or in corners
🧼 What to Do If You See Mold (Act Early!)
If you notice small spots or early signs of mold, act immediately:
Clean the area right away
Use a solution of vinegar and water
Apply with a cloth (not a spray that spreads spores)
Wipe thoroughly and remove all residue
Dry the area completely
Ventilate well
Ensure airflow reaches the spot
Inform us immediately
Even if you’ve cleaned it
Early reporting helps prevent spread or damage
⚠️ Do not ignore mold, even if it seems minor. What looks small can grow quickly if moisture remains.
💬 Why This Matters
Preventing mold isn’t just about appearance—it affects:
Air quality
Comfort
Health
Furniture and finishes
Long-term condition of the apartment
A few small habits—ventilating, checking hidden areas, and acting early—make a huge difference. We truly appreciate your help in keeping your apartment healthy and comfortable.
🤝 We’re Here to Help
If you have questions, concerns, or notice anything unusual, please contact us right away at:
📧 residents@platinumproperties.live
Thank you for helping us take care of our homes and yours.