13 Everyday Habits That Could Be Harming Your Home

You might think home damage only happens from big events — like a burst pipe, a storm, or a kitchen fire. But often, it’s the everyday habits that cause the most trouble. Simple things you do without thinking can slowly lead to fire risks, mold growth, water damage, or structural wear over time.

At NYHR we’ve seen how small choices can lead to major restoration work later. Here are 10 common habits that could be harming your home without you realizing it, and how to prevent lasting damage.

1. Using the Oven or Stove to Heat the House

   On chilly days, it can be tempting to turn on the oven for extra warmth. But doing this releases carbon monoxide and increases the risk of kitchen fires. Gas ovens in particular can fill your home with dangerous fumes, and electric ovens can overheat nearby materials. Use proper heating sources instead, and check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

2. Hanging Wet Towels or Laundry Indoors Without Ventilation

   Drying clothes or towels inside might seem harmless, but all that moisture ends up in the air — and then in your walls, ceilings, and furniture. Over time, this leads to mold, peeling paint, and musty odors. To prevent this, open a window, run a fan, or use a dehumidifier when drying laundry indoors. NYHR’s mold remediation team can also inspect and safely remove any early signs of mold growth.

3. Overloading Power Strips or Extension Cords

   It’s easy to plug in “just one more thing,” but overloading outlets or extension cords is one of the leading causes of electrical fires in New York homes. When cords overheat, they can melt insulation, spark, and ignite nearby materials.Always use certified surge protectors, avoid daisy-chaining multiple strips together, and unplug appliances when not in use.

4. Using Too Much Water When Mopping Hardwood Floors

   Wood floors might seem durable, but excess water is their worst enemy. When water seeps between boards, it causes warping, swelling, and discoloration. Instead of soaking the mop, lightly dampen it or use a cleaner made specifically for hardwood. If your floorboards start cupping or feel soft, NYHR’s water damage restoration specialists can assess and dry the area before long-term damage sets in.

5. Never Using Your Bathroom Fan After Showers

   Skipping the exhaust fan might save a little noise, but it traps steam and moisture in the walls and ceiling. This causes mold, bubbling paint, and cracked grout — especially in older bathrooms. Run your fan for at least 15 minutes after showering to help moisture escape. Regular ventilation is one of the easiest ways to protect your home from hidden water and mold damage.

6. Letting Steam Build Up in the Kitchen

   Cooking without ventilation has the same effect as skipping the bathroom fan. Steam from boiling pots or dishwashers can settle into cabinets and walls, creating damp areas that attract mold. Always turn on your range hood or open a window while cooking to keep humidity under control.

7. Blocking Air Vents or Radiators

   Pushing furniture or curtains too close to vents restricts airflow, traps heat, and puts stress on your HVAC system. In apartments with radiators, it can even pose a fire risk or cause localized wall damage. Keep vents and radiators clear to allow even heating and air circulation.

8. Lighting Candles or Incense Too Close to Walls or Curtains

   Candles and incense create a cozy atmosphere — but they’re also a leading cause of smoke stains and fire hazards. Even without an open flame, smoke particles can leave dark residue on walls and ceilings, and if a small fire occurs, the damage can spread quickly. If your home has been affected by smoke or heat, NYHR’s fire and smoke restoration specialists can repair damaged surfaces, replace affected materials, and fully restore your space to its pre-damage condition with durable, fire-resistant finishes.

9. Flushing Foreign Objects Down the Toilet

   Toilets are designed for human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing items like wipes, feminine products, or small toys can cause clogs, pipe damage, or even sewage backups in your home. Always dispose of foreign objects in the trash, and if you experience repeated blockages, call a plumbing specialist who can safely clear pipes and inspect for hidden damage.

10. Letting Your Laptop Overheat

    Placing laptops on soft surfaces like beds or couches can block ventilation, causing overheating. Prolonged heat exposure can damage internal components, shorten battery life, and in rare cases, pose a fire risk. Use your laptop on hard, flat surfaces, keep vents clear, and consider cooling pads for intensive use.

11. Pouring Grease Down the Drain

    Kitchen grease may seem harmless, but once it cools, it solidifies and can block pipes, leading to leaks, unpleasant odors, and water damage. Instead, collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash. Regular drain cleaning and professional inspections from can prevent buildup and protect plumbing infrastructure.

12. Ignoring Small Leaks or Drips

    That slow drip under the sink, damp patch near the washing machine, or minor leak from a pipe or roof might not seem serious, but over time these issues can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and hidden water problems. Our team uses professional moisture detection tools to find and dry problem areas before they worsen — saving you from costly repairs down the line.

13. Forgetting to Clean Dryer and Range Vents

    Clogged dryer vents and greasy range hoods are behind many house fires and indoor air quality issues. Lint, grease, and dust buildup restrict airflow, causing appliances to overheat. Clean your dryer vent regularly, replace range hood filters every few months, and schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.

When to Call NYHR

Even when you’re careful, small issues can slip through — especially in New York City homes. Older buildings, shared walls, limited airflow, and compact spaces make NYC properties more vulnerable to hidden smoke, water, and mold damage.

You should call NYHR if you notice any of these warning signs:

• A musty or smoky odor that won’t go away

• Peeling paint, discolored walls, or damp spots

• Lingering smoke residue after cooking or a small fire

• Condensation on windows or bubbling plaster

• Floors or ceilings that feel soft or uneven

These issues often signal damage you can’t see, but our experts can.

Protect Your NYC Home with a Professional Restoration Company

Life in New York can be hectic, and it’s easy to overlook small maintenance issues. But with the city’s older buildings and unpredictable weather, prevention matters more than ever.

Whether you’re dealing with smoke, fire, water, or mold damage, or simply want to make sure your home stays in top condition, we are here to help. Our team not only restores your property to its pre-damage state but also works to maximize your insurance claims, ensuring you receive the coverage you deserve.

Contact NYHR today for a free consultation — and protect your home before small habits become big problems.