There’s one cleaning job that everyone should try to do before Christmas comes around (Image: Getty)
is a time for indulgent meals, festive cooking, and plenty of gatherings with family and friends.
But as the becomes the heart of holiday celebrations, the combination of heat, damp, and clutter creates the perfect conditions for to thrive.
From decorations to damp utensils, mould can invade unexpected places, potentially putting your health and festivities at risk.
And there’s one area in particular that could end up being a real breeding ground for the harmful substance – and it’s somewhere that many people forget to clean during the festive season.
That’s according to the experts at , who have lifted the lid on some of the most overlooked places that mould can invade during the holiday period.
Keeping your kitchen clean all year round is vital, but especially at Christmas (Image: Getty)
Bohdan Duha, director at CreoGlass, explained: “Christmas kitchens face a unique set of challenges, with prolonged cooking sessions, increased humidity, and often overlooked cleaning routines.
“These factors create the ideal environment for mould growth, which can not only harm your health but also spoil the festive atmosphere.
“Taking proactive steps to clean and maintain your kitchen can make all the difference.”
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The fridge is often packed to the brim during the festive season with leftovers, fresh produce, and holiday treats. However, the vegetable drawers at the bottom of the fridge are often overlooked and can become damp from condensation or leaking produce.
This creates the ideal conditions for mould to develop, which can then spread to other stored food items.
You should empty the fridge drawers weekly during the holiday season and clean them with warm soapy water or a mild vinegar solution, as this will help to keep any harmful mould at bay.
Make sure to also dry them thoroughly before restocking to prevent dampness from returning. Lining the drawers with paper towels can also help absorb excess moisture and make cleanup easier.
As well as this, Bodhan warned about another very common culprit for causing mould in the midst of Christmas.
Wooden spoons, rolling pins, and chopping boards are kitchen staples, essential for everything from stirring mulled wine to prepping vegetables for the roast.
However, wood’s porous nature means it absorbs moisture and food particles, especially when used for raw meat or sticky ingredients.
Wooden utensils can be a breeding ground for mould if they aren’t dried properly (Image: Getty)
If not dried properly, wooden utensils can harbour mould and bacteria, which could contaminate your food and compromise your health.
Soak wooden utensils in a solution of warm water, white vinegar, and a pinch of baking soda for 10 minutes to sanitise them and remove any hidden spores.
Always dry them thoroughly before storage to prevent further mould growth. Utensils with deep cracks or an unpleasant odour should be replaced, as they are more likely to harbour bacteria.