Your collection is beautifully curated. You’ve invested in the wine storage scenario of your dreams. So, how do you make sure the space that houses your valued vintages shines for years to come? Turns out that just a bit of consistent weekly maintenance – measured in minutes, not hours – goes a long way.
Here are a few simple keys to keeping your showpiece in superb condition:
TLC for Your HVAC – Taking the time to ensure that your cooling system is operating at peak efficiency is critical to preserving the quality – and value – of your collection. Check the thermostat for functionality and ductwork for any leaks or tears. And be sure to keep up with regular filter changes according to the maintenance schedule for your particular HVAC (time between changes can vary according to the size of your system).
Dust Busting – It may seem like a fairly harmless (albeit unsightly) annoyance, but if dust buildup is left unchecked it can become severe enough that removal with fine-grain sandpaper is necessary. The good news is, simply taking a dry microfiber cloth to your racks and bottles once or twice a week can keep your space looking fresh and spare you an eventual sandpaper scrub-a-thon.
Mold Management – The high humidity and low sunlight that make up an ideal wine storage environment can often result in the perfect recipe for growing mold. Keeping humidity between 60 to 70 percent is optimal, but anything beyond 80 percent will lead to a buildup of mold spores (a small dehumidifier can help soak up the excess humidity). Take care to keep your eyes peeled for signs of:
- Mold and mildew
- Water beading
- Pools of moisture
Cleaning up the excess water will help keep your wines and their labels safe. As a side note, even if mold begins to develop on a label, your wine will remain drinkable. However, the label will likely need to be removed along with the mold.
With proper care, your wine cellar, wall or room will continue to be a point of pride to share with friends, family and fellow beverage enthusiasts. Need some additional maintenance tips customised for your unique space? Team EWC is at the ready. Reach out to us by phone, text or email any time. We’re happy to help!