5 Common Fall Habits That Are Secretly Mold Magnets, According to Experts

Hello fall! It's the time of year for pumpkin spiced lattes, orange leaves, cozy sweaters, and ... mold? There are so many seasonal changes we make in our homes and yards, but did you know that some of these adjustments can set the stage for mold and mildew?

Habits to Watch Out For

“Most people don't realize that their well-intentioned autumn habits could actually create the perfect environment for mold to thrive,” explains Dale Smith, Founder of Fence Guru, a leading fencing supplier, and who has spent years helping homeowners protect their property.

“The combination of increased moisture and reduced airflow that comes with cooler weather means we need to be extra careful about how we manage our homes during this transition period.” Here are five common habits that may be inviting mold into your home.

Piling Leaves Against Your Home

Stacking Firewood Inside

As the temperatures cool, nothing is cozier than a roaring fireplace or wood stove. So of course firewood is a necessity. Firewood can get damp from rain, and much like a wet pile of leaves, can cause mold and mildew growth. If you do stack firewood inside your house or along an exterior wall, make sure the wood gets plenty of air. Along with the potential mold and mildew issues, wet firewood won't burn as well.

Leaving Wet Gear Indoors

Autumn brings more rain, which means wet clothing and accessories become a daily reality. But leaving these items to drip-dry in enclosed spaces like hallways or closets creates pockets of high humidity, and in poorly ventilated spaces, this moisture has nowhere to escape. The result is perfect conditions for mold to grow on walls and in corners. “I've seen mold problems start in entrance areas where families consistently leave wet gear,” says Smith. “And it can spread from there into the rest of the home through air circulation.”

Create a designated drying area with good ventilation, preferably near an exterior door or window that can be opened periodically. Or if you're creating a mudroom, make sure it has a window or is near a door that leads outside.

Not Changing Air Filters

Mold and mildew spores can also make it to the air filter in your HVAC system, and create an allergen problem throughout your house. This can be exacerbated by switching from air conditioning to heat, as the condensation in your HVAC system and ducting can further promote mold and mildew growth, explains Wince.

It's a great practice to change your air filters once a month, but you should also change them when you switch from air conditioning to heat. The change in temperature may cause condensation within your air handler and ducting. If you have mold and mildew growth already, this moisture will help it grow even more, explains Wince.

Overwatering Plants Brought Indoors

As temperatures drop, you might bring your outdoor plants inside for protection; The combination of reduced sunlight and cooler indoor temperatures means plants need significantly less water than they did outdoors.

Overwatered indoor plants create excess humidity in the air and standing water in saucers, which are both perfect conditions for mold spores to multiply. The soil in overwatered plants can also develop its own mold problems, says Smith.

Check the soil moisture before watering and ensure proper drainage. Remove any standing water from plant saucers within an hour of watering.