New Year, Mold-Free Home: 6 Resolutions for 2026

A new year brings new opportunities to improve your living environment. While most resolutions focus on personal health, the health of your home deserves attention too. Mold prevention does not require dramatic changes - just consistent small habits that keep moisture under control. Here are six resolutions that will help you maintain a mold-free home in 2026.

Resolution 1: Run Exhaust Fans Every Time

This is the simplest change with one of the biggest impacts. Many homeowners skip the exhaust fan or turn it off too soon, allowing moisture from showers and cooking to accumulate in their homes.

The Commitment

• ✓Turn on the bathroom fan before every shower and leave it running for 20-30 minutes after
• ✓Use the kitchen exhaust fan whenever cooking produces steam
• ✓If your exhaust fans are noisy (a common excuse for not using them), consider upgrading to quieter models

Resolution 2: Check for Leaks Monthly

Small leaks cause big mold problems when they go unnoticed. A slow drip under the sink or behind the washing machine can create hidden mold colonies that grow for months.

Monthly Leak Check Routine

• ✓Look under all sinks for moisture or water stains
• ✓Check behind the toilet and around the base
• ✓Inspect the washing machine hoses and connections
• ✓Look at the ceiling below bathrooms for water stains
• ✓Check the water heater for signs of leaking

If you find a leak, repair it promptly and dry the area completely. Any materials that stayed wet for more than 48 hours may need to be removed to prevent mold.

Resolution 3: Maintain 30-50% Humidity

Humidity control is fundamental to mold prevention. Invest in an inexpensive hygrometer and place it in the most moisture-prone area of your home - usually the bathroom, basement, or kitchen.

Humidity Management Actions

• ✓Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
• ✓Fix any sources of excess moisture (leaks, poor ventilation)
• ✓Avoid over-humidifying in winter - more is not better
• ✓Vent clothes dryers to the outside

Resolution 4: Clean and Inspect Problem Areas Quarterly

Some areas of your home are more prone to mold than others. Commit to inspecting these spots every three months.

Quarterly Inspection List

• Bathroom: check caulk around tub and shower, look behind toilet
• Kitchen: inspect under sink, behind refrigerator, around dishwasher
• Basement: look for water stains, check sump pump, inspect walls for efflorescence
• Attic: look for roof leaks, check insulation for moisture, inspect for condensation on rafters
• Windows: examine sills and frames for moisture or mold

During these inspections, also note any musty smells that could indicate hidden mold.

Resolution 5: Address Small Mold Problems Immediately

It is tempting to put off dealing with a small patch of mold, but small problems become big problems quickly. Mold can double its colony size every 24-48 hours under favorable conditions.

Quick Response Guidelines

• Small areas (under 10 square feet) can often be cleaned yourself with appropriate precautions
• Always identify and fix the moisture source, not just clean the visible mold
• If mold returns in the same spot, there is an unresolved moisture issue
• Larger areas or mold in HVAC systems require professional remediation

Not sure if you can handle it yourself? Use our DIY vs Professional assessment tool to help decide.

Resolution 6: Schedule an Annual Home Moisture Assessment

Even with great prevention habits, professional eyes can catch issues you might miss. Consider scheduling an annual assessment with a qualified inspector who can evaluate your home overall moisture management, ventilation adequacy, potential problem areas, and existing conditions that could lead to mold.

This is especially valuable if you have had mold problems in the past, live in a humid climate, or have an older home with unknown moisture history.

Tracking Your Progress

Like any resolution, these work best with accountability. Consider keeping a simple log of your monthly leak checks and quarterly inspections. Note any issues you find and how you addressed them. This record will be valuable if you ever need to document your home maintenance for insurance or real estate purposes.

Starting Is the Hardest Part

You do not have to implement all six resolutions at once. Start with the one that addresses your biggest vulnerability - maybe that is finally fixing the bathroom fan that barely works, or getting a hygrometer for the basement. Small improvements compound over time, and by this time next year, mold prevention will be second nature.