Ah, mold and mildew are never a pretty sight but even less so in a storage unit. That’s because they pose significant risks to stored items, leading to damage and deterioration over time. Not to mention the health risks they pose for sensitive people — allergic reactions and asthma episodes.
Now, you may already know that these fungi thrive in damp, dark environments. This makes basements and storage units quite a hotspot for their growth. The most at risk are leather, clothing, soft plastics, paper products (including cardboard boxes), wood, upholstered furniture and mattresses. That covers pretty much everything you would keep in storage, right?
Let’s see how to prevent mildew in storage units. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Choose the Right Storage Unit
Not all storage spaces are created equal, that’s for sure, especially when it comes to keeping mold and mildew at bay. Here’s what to be on the lookout for to keep your stuff clean and dry:
| Climate control | Keeps the temperature and humidity just right, not giving mold and mildew the chance to party. |
| Right size | Choose a unit that fits your stuff comfortably. Too tight, and you’re asking for trouble with no room for air to move. |
| Ventilation | Good airflow keeps the air fresh and prevents moisture from settling in. |
As you can see, scoring a climate-controlled storage unit is the biggest step you can take to prevent mold, but you should still factor in unit size and decent airflow.
Clean Your Items Before Storing Them
Before you start packing, what you need is a clean start for all your stored items. As a generic rule, use non-abrasive cleaners and make sure everything is fully dry before moving on. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions where available or perform spot tests when uncertain.
Here are some extra details based on item type and material:
| Kitchen appliances | Fridge: Toss out old food, clean shelves and drawers in soapy water and dry them. Wipe the interior and consider a baking soda container to absorb moisture. Microwave and oven: Use a vinegar-water solution for the microwave interior and an oven cleaner plus a heat cycle for the oven. Clean removable parts with soapy water and dry them completely. |
| Washer and dryer | Run the washer with two cups of vinegar on the hottest cycle, then scrub the drum with a vinegar-water solution. Clean the soap dispenser and lint container and sanitize the dryer drum with mild soap and water. |
| Antique and wooden furniture | Dust thoroughly, then clean with a mild dish soap solution without soaking the wood. Dry off any excess moisture. Use a tea-based cleaner to remove waxy build-up and polish the wood. |
| Leather furniture | Dust with a microfiber cloth, then gently clean with a soap-dampened cloth. Don’t rinse; buff it instead to condition the leather. |
| Fabric upholstery | Vacuum to remove debris, test and apply a vinegar-water solution for stains. Clean with an antibacterial cleaner and let it dry completely. |
| Outdoor furniture | Wipe wicker with a damp cloth, wash cushions with a soap-Borax-water solution and clean plastic resin with an all-purpose cleaner. Dry thoroughly before disassembling for storage. |
| Clothing | Clean all clothing to remove perfumes, lotions and sweat that could cause damage and discoloration over time. Dry completely before packing. Consider professional cleaning for ease and efficiency. |
Proper Packing, Organization and Ventilation for Moisture Control
When it comes to battling the mold and mildew brigade, every little detail counts: how you pack items for storage, how you organize them in the unit and making sure air circulation is top-notch.
- Wrap your belongings in breathable materials to keep the air moving. Only use plastic wraps if you’re vacuum-sealing, otherwise plastic will trap moisture and attract mold.
- Airtight containers are gold for fabrics, and vacuum sealing is your best bet for the long term.
- Pay attention to special items as they need special care. Use a heavy, breathable cloth and specialized boxes for artwork and corrugated cardboard boxes with acid-free packing paper for books.
- Place silica gel packs in boxes to ward off moisture and replace them regularly.
- Spread silica gel packets or other moisture absorbers throughout the storage unit to keep the air dry, especially in more humid climates.
- For proper storage unit humidity control, use a hygrometer to make sure everything stays in the ideal 30% to 50% range.
- Keep items spaced out in the storage unit to let air circulate freely. Avoid pushing boxes against walls or clustering them too tightly.
- Use shelves or pallets to lift your belongings off the floor, protecting them from potential dampness creeping in from below.
- Open your unit to let fresh air in now and then; it can do wonders for displacing stale, moist air.
- Keep any built-in vents clean and unblocked to ensure they’re working their magic to the fullest.
Choose Mold-Resistant Materials and Add Protective Coverings
While corrugated cardboard boxes are your go-to for books, for everything else you have the mighty plastic bin. Not any will do though, as you have to make sure all storage containers are airtight to lock out the mold. Even for containers with strong lids, like those with depressor seals, you can take it up a notch with duct tape wrapped tightly around the lid’s edge.
What you can do to upgrade your plastic bin is fill it snugly and consider using internal lids for that extra tight seal. No internal lid? No problem. Grab some cling film and an elastic band. Stretch the film over the box, smooth out any creases and secure it with the band. Then pop the external lid on and, voila, you’ve got yourself a DIY airtight container.
For large things that don’t fit into plastic boxes, use mold-resistant covers and wraps. Now, if you’re going to wrap up your items like they’re going into battle, make sure you’re not accidentally creating a moisture trap. Protecting items from mold and mildew is what you’re going for, not suffocating them.
Not sure what qualifies as mold-resistant in the world of wraps and covers? Here’s a handy cheat sheet:
| Vacuum-sealed plastic bags | Not specifically mold-resistant, but they significantly reduce moisture levels, making it hard for mold to grow. Particularly useful for textiles — clothing and bedding. |
| Heavy-duty vinyl covers | Easy to clean and durable. Suitable for furniture and larger items if properly sealed. |
| PEVA storage bags | A chlorine-free vinyl alternative. Suitable for clothing and small upholstered items, as a safer and less toxic option compared to traditional PVC vinyl. |
| Nylon tarps | Durable and tear-resistant, but make sure they have waterproof coatings. Great for covering and protecting larger items or stacks of boxes. |
| Canvas tarps | Not inherently mold-resistant but can be treated with a waterproof and mildew-resistant coating. Good protection for larger items, as the breathable nature of canvas allows air circulation. |
Maintenance and Regular Inspections are Important
Keeping your stuff safe from mold and mildew means playing detective now and then. So, what’s the game plan? First, make checking on your storage unit and all the goodies inside a regular thing. Don’t forget to peek in especially after the weather’s been acting up. Even if your unit’s got climate control, it’s smart to make sure it’s doing its job keeping things not too hot, not too cold and just dry enough.
Now, you may keep your eyes peeled for any weird colors or gooey spots, but it’s your nose that is the best tool. A funky, musty smell usually means mold is trying to make its way through. And some of your things, like your favorite outfits, old books and comfy chairs, might get moldy more easily than others so pay extra attention to them.
Catching mold spots early on means you can clean up the mess yourself before it gets worse. If you’re late to the party and the mold has taken over your unit already, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Storage unit mold is no joke — that’s a job for the pros.
Say No to Mold in Self-Storage Units
Preventing mold and mildew in storage is quite a quest, isn’t it? Remember, it’s all about the prep work, the right gear and keeping a keen eye (and nose) on the lookout.
Climate-controlled storage units are your best pals in the fight against mold, but cleaning your items before stashing them is equally important. Then, with the right materials like airtight plastic bins and mold-resistant wraps, you’re building a fortress against the damp. Throw in a bit of organizing to let that air flow and you’re all set with storage unit mold prevention.
That doesn’t mean you don’t have to stay vigilant — regular checks on your unit can save the day (and your treasures).
We’ve armed you with the tools, tips and tricks to keep mold at bay. Now it’s your turn to keep those storage units crisp, clean and clear.
