Cleaning a Wine Cellar or Wine Storage Area
Wine cellars and dedicated wine storage rooms — increasingly common in Ontario's premium residential renovations — present a specific set of cleaning considerations. The controlled humidity and temperature environment that protects wine is also an environment that can support mould if surfaces aren't properly cleaned and maintained, and the cleaning approach must avoid products that could leave residue or off-aromas that affect the wine.
What to Clean and How
- Shelving and racks: Wood wine racks should be dusted thoroughly (dry microfibre) rather than wiped with liquid cleaners — moisture on wood racks in a humid cellar environment can promote mould. Metal racks can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth, dried immediately
- Floors: Cellar floors (typically concrete or stone) should be swept, then mopped with clean water only — avoid fragranced or chemical cleaners in the cellar space, as aromas can be absorbed by corks and affect wine
- Walls: Inspect for any mould or moisture staining — address immediately if found. Clean walls with water only
- Drain: If the cellar has a floor drain, flush periodically with clean water — stagnant material in the drain can be the source of cellar odour
Wine Refrigerator
Wine fridges should be wiped interior and exterior with a lightly damp cloth. Remove all bottles to clean the shelves — clean the interior carefully and allow to dry before returning bottles. Replace the activated carbon filter if your unit has one (annually recommended).