Winter survival guide for home maintenance in the Netherlands

Winter in the Netherlands means cosy evenings, steaming mugs of tea and that unmistakable northern European charm (gezellig!). But along with the colder weather come challenges that can affect your home’s cleanliness, air quality and overall comfort.

High humidity, tightly insulated buildings, cool indoor temperatures and limited ventilation can all create ideal conditions for mould, condensation and persistent odours.

Why winter asks for different habits in Dutch homes

Many expats are surprised by how differently Dutch homes behave in winter. Unlike other countries, where air conditioning or powerful ventilation systems are standard, the Netherlands relies heavily on insulation and natural airflow.

Once the temperatures drop, the mix of cold air and indoor humidity can cause condensation on windows, damp corners and mould in surprising places. You may not notice any of these issues in summer, only for them to appear within weeks of winter arriving! The good news is that a few simple habits can prevent most of it.

The 15-minute daily ventilation rule

One of the easiest and most effective winter habits is to ventilate your home for 15 minutes a day, even when it feels chilly. It may seem counterintuitive, but a short burst of fresh air brings humidity down without losing much heat.

How to ventilate effectively

Here is what helps most:

• Open windows fully rather than leaving them slightly cracked
• Create cross-flow by ventilating opposite sides of your home
• Pay extra attention to bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens
• Use extractor fans or small dehumidifiers if you have them

Good ventilation keeps condensation and mould at bay, improves indoor air quality and stops that musty winter smell from settling in.

Bathroom and toilet care during the colder months

Bathrooms are problem areas in winter, especially in homes without strong mechanical ventilation. It's nice to take a steamy, hot shower during the colder months, but this steam can linger for hours, encouraging mould on tiles, ceilings and silicone joints.

Post-shower habits that help:

• Open a window right after showering
• Keep the bathroom door closed until the steam clears
• Wipe excess moisture from mirrors and tiles

The vinegar trick for hard water

Dutch tap water is naturally hard, so limescale builds up quickly on toilets, sinks and shower heads. Regular cleaning with vinegar is an effective, low-chemical way to prevent it. A little consistency keeps surfaces clean, prevents blockages and reduces the need for heavy-duty products.

Radiator and heating system maintenance

Cosy blankets, candles everywhere, perhaps even a fireplace with a roaring fire... Warmth is essential in winter, but your heating system needs a little attention too. Radiators can develop trapped air pockets, reducing their heat output and making the system work harder.

Before it gets too cold:

• “Bleed” your radiators to release trapped air
• Check that furniture is not blocking the heat flow 
• Dust radiator surfaces to improve efficiency

A well-maintained heating system keeps your home cosy and can help lower energy costs during the priciest months of the year. After all, wouldn't you rather spend your money this season on your holiday gifts?

Seasonal deep-clean tasks that save money and prevent damage

Winter is a great time to handle a few maintenance tasks that often get pushed aside. These small efforts protect appliances, reduce energy use and help prevent costly repairs later.

Fridge and freezer care

Defrosting your fridge or freezer prevents ice build-up, improves efficiency and extends the appliance’s lifespan. Before the holiday season or after a trip away, give it a reset: empty it, switch it off and let any excess ice melt.

Other helpful winter tasks

Other cleaning tasks you can do during the winter season:

• Clean and dry windowsills where condensation tends to collect
• Dust areas that are easy to forget, such as lampshades, behind furniture and radiators
• Refresh mattress covers and textiles to keep indoor air feeling fresh

A bit of regular care keeps the home healthier and reduces the need for stronger chemical cleaners. Which is also better for the environment, so it's a win-win!

Making home care more enjoyable

Cleaning is not everyone’s favourite winter activity, especially when daylight hours are short. Still, with a little creativity, you can make it easier and maybe even enjoyable (no, really!).

Ways to make your winter cleaning more enjoyable:

• Share tasks with your family or housemates
• Plan short cleaning sessions with music (there are plenty of cleaning playlists on Spotify!)
• Celebrate small, satisfying wins such as clear windows or a fresh-smelling bathroom

Know when to call in professional support 

Even with good habits, winter can reveal hidden issues that are tricky to solve alone: persistent mould, stubborn limescale, hard-to-reach dust or anything that affects indoor air quality. There is no shame in getting a little help! A professional cleaning service can offer a seasonal reset, making day-to-day upkeep much easier.