5 easy ways to get rid of Christmas tree mould – including vinegar method

An expert has unveiled several effective methods for getting rid of mould on your Christmas tree.

can be a common problem for many households, and it’s often exacerbated during the winter months due to the mix of colder outdoor temperatures combined with people cranking up their indoor , which then leads to condensation.

This issue can escalate in December due to an unexpected offender that infiltrates many UK homes – the . Recent research from shows one in five (21%) Brits have spotted mould on their tree and , with 19% confessing the mould in nearby areas worsens when the tree is displayed.

With this in mind, Ronseal’s DIY expert Jimmy Englezos has shared tips on how to eliminate mould from the Christmas tree and prevent the surrounding area from being affected.

He said: “This issue can affect both live and artificial trees in different ways. For fresh Christmas trees, up to 50 different types of mould can grow on them and it can continue to reproduce until the tree is removed from the home. All of this can also cause mould spores to be present in the air.

“When the tree is cut down, it can sometimes be kept wet and bundled tightly which supports the ideal environment for mould to grow. Once the mould begins reproducing, this can trigger an allergic reaction known as Christmas tree syndrome.

“Mould isn’t as much of a consistent issue for artificial trees if they are stored correctly, however, if an artificial tree is stored in damp conditions this can bring dust and mould back into the home which can affect not just the tree, but the surrounding areas such as the walls. Decorations can also be affected if stored in the same way as the mould can transfer.”

Jimmy’s five top tips for preventing mould growth on Christmas trees and in surrounding areas include

1. Hose down any real Christmas trees before bringing indoors

2. Sit the tree in a well-ventilated area

3. Spray with washing up liquid or

4. Shake an artificial tree to remove dust

5. Vacuum the artificial tree and dust the decorations

Jimmy also offered some guidance on the best way to store an artificial tree after the festive season to stop mould:

1. Store in a cool and dry place, preferably a temperature-controlled location like a wardrobe

2. Keep away from direct sunlight

3. Store in airtight plastic bags

The problem of Christmas tree mould has long been discussed on social media. One user was disappointed when trying to follow a video trend, which sees a person throwing a bauble in imitation of a grenade at a bare tree while the “explosion” sound effect plays, before revealing the tree fully decorated.

Instead, the video cuts to the bare tree no longer being there at all after the creator discovered the presence of prolific mould on the tree. In a comment, they explained: “It was a fake tree that my husband and I have had for 10 years! We have NO clue what happened but assuming there is moisture where it was stored”.