There is something wonderfully nostalgic about using the same Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths year after year. However, toxicologists are warning that we might be welcoming something far more sinister into our spaces – mold.
If stored improperly, artificial Christmas decor can secretly turn into a breeding ground for spores in the off-season, bringing health impacts on our health throughout the festive season.
Tackling Mold on Christmas Decor
Outside of the festive season, most of us store our Christmas decor ideas in the basement, garage, or out of sight in our attic storage to keep them out of the way.
However, these lesser-used storage spaces are particularly prone to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, especially when they're not temperature-controlled.
When your decor is packed into tight bags and containers with little air flow, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, warns Robert Weitz, principal and founder at RTK Environmental Group.
When pulling your decor out of your storage ideas, it is therefore essential that you check for any signs of moisture damage, such as damp stains on bags or condensation on storage bins – or strong musty smells, he suggests.
You may also spot discoloration on your faux Christmas greenery, especially when fluffing a Christmas tree or garland. Check close to the ‘stem’ where the needles will have been squashed more tightly in storage.
If you spot mold, smell mildew, or are concerned about either risk, it is simple to clean an artificial Christmas tree, Robert continues. Cleaning with vinegar is your best option for this, as it doesn’t risk damaging your decorations and helps towards creating a non-toxic home.
Simply spray down to affected areas with pure 30% vinegar from Walmart, let sit for at least 20 minutes before wiping away with a microfiber cloth (also from Walmart) and leaving to air dry. The best dehumidifier can speed this process up and help to prevent regrowth.
Several essential oils also kill mold, including clove oil from Amazon, if you would prefer a more fragrant scent when removing spores from your prized home decor. Plus, clove oil can help to deter spiders, making it a great all-around oil for common fall and winter issues.
How to Prevent Mold Building Up on Your Christmas Decor in 2026
Storing items in air-tight totes can prevent moisture seeping in.
Keeping your Christmas decor safe from mold next year comes down to storing Christmas decorations properly, Robert says. ‘The best way to prevent this problem in the future is to make sure decorations are stored in a dry place and that boxes are clean and dry before being sealed and put away.’
Picking up some of the Christmas decor storage essentials every home needs, such as tree duffle bags from The Container Store, clear latch lid totes from Walmart, and garland boxes also from The Container Store, can help to keep your decor safe from damage and mold.
Decluttering your Christmas decorations before storage can prevent overstuffing, encouraging airflow while making decorating easier next year, too. For sealed storage, adding moisture absorber pouches from Walmart can also help to prevent musty odors and mold growth between needles.
What to Shop
Vinegar is more effective than bleach for killing mold, and it's non-toxic. Plus, it will not damage or discolor your decor. Don't worry about odors; it will dry without any scent.
You can wash microfiber cloths in a washing machine to sanitize them after use, preventing the spreading of spores around your home.
Clove oil can help to remove mold while freshening up musty odors on artificial Christmas decor.
Keep your tree safe from damage and pests between uses by stashing it in a secure duffel bag. Avoid putting heavy items on top to prevent squishing branches.
These air tight storage bins keeps smaller decor items safe from pests and moisture in long-term storage.
Adding moisture absorbers to storage bins and bags can prevent mold from developing in the tight gaps between needles and branches.
Meet the Expert
Robert has over 30 years of experience as an environmental inspector, assessing homes and commercial properties to identify root causes of hazards and breaking down the next steps for remediation.
As principal of RTK Environmental Group, he specializes in identifying and testing for mold, lead, water, soil, asbestos, radon, PCBs, VOCs, indoor air quality, and more.
Subjecting your decor to moisture is not the only Christmas decor storage mistake you might be making that risks damaging your festive essentials. Not wrapping up lights and storing items on top of faux foliage can also slow down decorating and require more frequent replacements.
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