Weekly Checklist to Keep Your Home Mould-Free

September 19 2025, by Tatianna Gerard, 11 min reading time

Mould has a sneaky way of creeping into our homes. It doesn’t take much—just a bit of extra moisture, poor airflow, or forgotten corners—and suddenly you’re dealing with unsightly patches, musty odours, and potential health risks.

By setting aside just a few minutes each week to stay on top of moisture, ventilation, and common problem areas, you can stop mould before it even has the chance to grow. Think of it as routine maintenance for your home, like taking the bins out or watering the plants—a small habit that pays off with a healthier, fresher living space.

In this blog, we’ve put together a simple weekly checklist to help you keep your home mould-free. Follow these steps regularly, and you’ll be protecting both your home and your health in the process.

Checklist 1: Inspect moisture hotspots

Moisture is mould’s best friend, and the first step in prevention is keeping an eye on the dampest parts of your home. Once a week, take a few minutes to walk through common moisture hotspots—bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and window sills.

Bathrooms: Look for condensation on mirrors, tiles, and shower screens. Wipe them down with a cloth or use a squeegee after showers to stop water from sitting on surfaces.
Kitchens: Check under sinks and around taps for leaks or damp patches. Don’t forget splashbacks, which can stay wet long after cooking.
Laundries: Inspect around washing machines for puddles or slow leaks. A musty smell near the machine can be an early sign of mould.
Windows and sills: Especially in cooler months, condensation builds up and drips down onto timber or frames. Regularly wiping them dry helps prevent mould from setting in.

👍 Pro tip: Keep a small towel or microfibre cloth handy in each of these rooms, along with a safe mould-prevention product like the SAN-AIR Surface Mould Remover Spray. A quick wipe once a week (or daily in high-use areas like bathrooms) not only removes moisture but also helps stop mould spores from settling and growing.

And if you’d like to reduce the need for frequent check-ins, you can place SAN-AIR Mould Prevention Reactive Gels in these spaces. These gels work by releasing a safe vapour into the air that targets airborne mould spores and bacteria, making it harder for them to take hold on surfaces. They’re especially helpful in areas prone to humidity or poor airflow, offering continuous protection between your weekly routines.

Here are some options depending on your needs:

SAN-AIR Surface Mould Remover Spray – for quick and safe surface cleaning.
SAN-AIR V3R Split System Reactive Gel 15g – designed for air conditioners to keep mould out of your cooling system.
SAN-AIR Caravan & Boat Storage Reactive Gel 75g – ideal for enclosed or rarely used spaces like caravans, boats, or storage rooms.
SAN-AIR V3R Air Handler Reactive Gel – made for larger HVAC systems to protect against mould circulating through the air.

Checklist 2: Improve ventilation

Mould thrives in still, humid air. One of the easiest weekly habits to keep mould at bay is making sure your home has good airflow. Proper ventilation not only helps surfaces dry faster, it also reduces the excess humidity that mould needs to grow.

Open windows and doors: Whenever possible, allow fresh air to circulate through your home for at least 10–15 minutes a day. Even a small cross-breeze can help moisture evaporate.
Check exhaust fans: Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries rely on exhaust fans to remove steam. Wipe the fan cover weekly to prevent dust build-up that reduces efficiency.
Air circulation indoors: Move furniture slightly away from walls, especially in rooms that feel damp, to avoid trapped pockets of still air.

👍 Pro tip: Pair good airflow with a mould-prevention product to maximise protection. For example, using the SAN-AIR Reactive Gels in poorly ventilated areas helps clean the air by releasing a safe vapour that targets airborne mould spores. They’re especially useful in spaces where opening windows isn’t always practical—like wardrobes, storerooms, or apartments with limited airflow. For even better coverage, the gels can be used together with air diffusers, helping distribute the active vapour more evenly throughout the room for consistent mould protection.

We make it easier for you by curating bundles that include both the gels and diffusers together, so you get continuous, even protection without extra effort.

Checklist 3: Control indoor humidity

Even if you keep surfaces dry, mould can still creep in when the air in your home holds too much moisture. Indoor humidity between 40–60% is considered the “safe zone” for preventing mould growth, but anything higher gives spores the perfect environment to thrive. A quick weekly check-in can make a big difference.

Use dehumidifiers: In damp rooms such as bathrooms, laundries, or basements, run a dehumidifier and empty the water tray weekly.
Moisture absorbers: Place moisture-absorbing packs or tubs (like the SAN-AIR Reactive Gels) inside wardrobes, cupboards, and other enclosed areas where airflow is limited.
Monitor humidity: If mould is a recurring issue, consider using a simple humidity monitor (hygrometer) to keep track of problem spots.

Checklist 4: Clean high-risk surfaces

Even with good ventilation and humidity control, mould can still find its way onto surfaces that are constantly damp or exposed to steam. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are especially vulnerable, as are hidden corners that don’t get much airflow.

Bathrooms: Focus on tiles, grout, shower screens, and around sinks. These are the most common breeding grounds for mould.
Kitchens: Wipe splashbacks, benchtops near kettles or stoves, and under appliances where steam or spills can collect.
Hidden areas: Don’t forget spots like behind furniture, under sinks, and around window frames—anywhere condensation or dampness might go unnoticed.

👍 Pro tip: Instead of harsh chemicals like bleach, which only strip surface stains, use a safe mould-prevention product like the SAN-AIR Surface Mould Remover Spray. It removes visible mould while targeting spores at the source, leaving surfaces clean without the toxic fumes. For an even quicker option, keep a tub of SAN-AIR Mould Remover Surface Wipes handy—perfect for fast wipe-downs in bathrooms, kitchens, or on window frames where mould is most likely to appear.

Checklist 5: Refresh fabrics and soft furnishings

Mould doesn’t just grow on walls or ceilings—it can also take hold in fabrics and soft furnishings. Items like bathroom mats, towels, curtains, cushions, and blankets are often overlooked, yet they absorb moisture and provide the perfect breeding ground for mould if left unchecked.

Bathroom and kitchen textiles: Wash bathmats, hand towels, and tea towels weekly, as these stay damp and collect bacteria.
Curtains and cushions: Air them out regularly, especially in humid weather. Even a few hours of sunshine can help kill mould spores naturally.
Bedding and blankets: Rotate and dry them thoroughly if they feel damp. Don’t leave bedding crumpled in humid rooms, as trapped moisture encourages mould.

👍Pro tip: To keep fabrics fresher for longer, add a mould-prevention step to your laundry routine. The SAN-AIR LD Concentrate is a powerful, multi-purpose cleaner and mould remover that contains no isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and is lightly scented with essential oils. By adding a diluted solution to your laundry, you can help kill mould spores that cling to fabrics and prevent that musty odour from setting in.

This extra step means your textiles don’t just look clean—they stay mould-free and fresh, even in damp or humid conditions.

Checklist 6: Check and maintain appliances

Appliances that use water or generate condensation can quietly become mould hotspots if they’re not maintained. Washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners are common culprits—moisture lingers inside, creating the perfect breeding ground for mould.

Washing machines: Wipe down the rubber door seals, which often trap water and detergent residue. Leave the door slightly open after each wash to let the drum dry out.
Dishwashers: Check the filter and door seals weekly for food particles and moisture build-up. Run a cleaning cycle if needed.
Air conditioners: Inspect vents for dust and moisture. If the system smells musty when turned on, that’s often a sign of mould inside.

👍 Pro tip: Support your weekly appliance checks with the right cleaning and prevention products. For washing machines and dishwashers, you can use a diluted solution of SAN-AIR LD Concentrate—just add 20ml/Litre of purified water (for heavy soiling, add up to 100ml/Litre of purified water) and wipe the insides with a clean cloth.

For air conditioners, SAN-AIR has a specialised range made for air conditioners and air handlers, helping to keep mould from circulating through your system and spreading around your home. 👉 Explore the full range here.

Checklist 7: Declutter damp-prone spaces

Piles of boxes, tightly packed clothes, or stacked items block airflow and create dark, still pockets where moisture lingers. These areas—often wardrobes, storage rooms, garages, and under-sink cupboards—are the perfect breeding ground for mould if left unchecked.

Wardrobes & cupboards: Don’t overcrowd shelves or hangers. Leave some space between items so air can move around.
Garages & storage rooms: Store items off the floor if possible, and use sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes, which trap moisture.
Under sinks: Check for leaks or condensation and wipe down surfaces before reorganising.

👍 Pro tip: Along with regular decluttering, place the SAN-AIR Caravan & Boat Storage Reactive Gel 75g in these areas. It is especially effective, offering long-lasting protection that helps keep fabrics, papers, and stored items fresh.

Checklist 8: Keep an eye on leaks

Even the smallest leak can create a big mould problem if left unchecked. A dripping tap, a slow pipe leak under the sink, or a tiny crack in the roof can release enough moisture to fuel mould growth behind walls, under flooring, or in cupboards. A weekly inspection helps you catch these issues early before they become major repairs.

Under sinks and around taps: Look for dampness, water stains, or warped wood.
Bathrooms and laundries: Check around toilets, showers, and washing machines for signs of leaking seals.
Ceilings and walls: Be alert to water spots, bubbling paint, or musty odours, which often signal hidden leaks.

👍 Pro tip: Spotting moisture is just the first step—addressing the leak is what really prevents mould from coming back. If you’re handy with bathroom fixtures or basic plumbing, you may be able to fix minor issues like tightening a loose seal or replacing a washer yourself. For anything more complex, it’s always best to hire a professional plumber or tradesperson to ensure the job’s done properly. Once the leak is resolved, clean any affected surfaces with a diluted solution of the SAN-AIR LD Concentrate to remove mould spores safely, and place a SAN-AIR Reactive Gel nearby to protect the area while it dries out.

Conclusion: A little effort goes a long way

Mould prevention doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By setting aside just a little time each week to check for moisture, improve airflow, clean high-risk areas, and maintain your appliances, you’ll make your home a much tougher place for mould to grow.

Ready to put your weekly checklist into action? Explore our range of SAN-AIR mould prevention and removal solutions—made to work with your routine and help keep every corner of your home protected.

👉 Shop SAN-AIR Mould Solutions
👉 Discover Mould Prevention for Air Conditioning
👉 Try the SAN-AIR Mould & Bacteria Test Kit