Avoid Mold in Storage with These Simple Tips

We all know how much trouble mold and mildew can cause and unfortunately, belongings stored in storage facilities aren’t completely safe from their reach. Mold is a sneaky problem that can damage your items in many frustrating ways.

The good news? You can take steps to protect your belongings! Let’s dive into our four simple tips for how to prevent mold in your storage unit, helping you keep your storage bins mold-free and your belongings safe.

1. Clean and Dry Your Belongings Before Storing Them

Dirt and crumbs can be a real headache when storing your belongings. Dirt can scratch surfaces or leave a stubborn residue, and food crumbs. They’re an open invitation for pests like rodents. That’s why it’s so important to give everything a good clean before putting it into storage.

However, cleaning alone isn’t enough. You also need to dry everything thoroughly. Mold spores thrive on moisture, whether it comes from water leaks or high humidity. Damp items can lead to mold growth that ruins clothes, furniture, and more.

For clothing, double-check for food stains or oily spots as those can attract pests and mold as well. Upholstery or fabric left damp might start to rot, while moisture on wood, metal, or even outdoor furniture can cause rust or other damage.  It’s also important not to forget that moisture can spread from one item to another, creating a domino effect of damage.

So what’s the best plan? Clean and dry your belongings for a few days before putting them into storage. Leave drawers and compartments open and let everything air out in a well-ventilated area. While this can be quite time-consuming, a little extra effort upfront can save you a lot of hassle later.

2. Choose Your Storage Containers or Boxes Carefully

Are you thinking about using plain old cardboard boxes for storing your stuff? If that’s the case, you might want to reconsider. While they’re super convenient, they’re not always the best choice, especially for fabrics like clothes, sneakers, or linens. Cardboard doesn’t do a great job keeping out moisture, which means your belongings could end up ruined by mold and mildew while in storage.

Alternatively, you should be picking your storage containers based on what you’re storing. For example, acid-free boxes are a great option for books or artwork since they’re breathable. For clothing, airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags are the way to go. They’ll keep moisture out and protect your personal belongings from humidity.

The right storage container can make all the difference in keeping your belongings safe and sound. Therefore, it’s important to take a little time to choose the best option for each type of item and you’ll thank yourself later!

3. Use Desiccators

To tackle any residual moisture, try adding desiccants to your storage containers. You’re likely wondering what desiccators are. Have you seen those little silica gel packets that come with new shoes or bags? Well, those are desiccants! They’re filled with tiny crystals designed to absorb moisture, which helps keep mold and mildew at bay.

You can grab similar packs at packing supply stores. Just toss a few into your storage containers and they’ll do the heavy lifting to keep things dry.

One thing to keep in mind: desiccants don’t last forever. If you’re planning to store your stuff for a long time, check the expiration dates on the packets and swap them out as needed to keep everything in tip-top shape.

4. Choose the Right Storage Unit

Our final tip for preventing mold in storage is to make sure to choose the right storage unit. With so many options available these days, it’s all about finding a facility that meets your specific needs. For mold prevention, you’ll want to focus on a space that’s moisture-resistant.

Many storage facilities offer air conditioning and some even have dehumidifiers to help keep mold at bay. Some places also let you add extra features like vents or additional air conditioning for even better protection.

For the best protection against moisture and humidity, consider renting a climate-controlled storage room. These units keep temperature and humidity levels steady, giving your stored items the best chance to stay mold-free!

FAQs

What causes mold to grow in storage units?

Mold happens when there’s too much humidity in a closed space, which can be a big issue if your storage unit isn’t climate-controlled. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your storage unit regularly to prevent moisture buildup. If the humidity goes above 50%, you’re at risk for mold growth, and anything inside could become a target for damage.

How can I control humidity levels in my storage unit?

If you don’t have a climate-controlled storage unit, you can try to make your DIY dehumidifier to help keep moisture at bay. Here are a few easy options:

• Charcoal briquettes: Place a bowl of plain (non-lighter-fluid-soaked) charcoal briquettes in a bucket to absorb moisture.
• Clay kitty litter: Use a bag of unscented clay kitty litter as an effective moisture absorber.
• Baking soda: Spread open containers of baking soda around your storage unit to help soak up humidity.

Just remember that whichever option you choose, you’ll need to replace these DIY dehumidifiers about every six months to keep them working effectively!

Are climate-controlled storage units effective at preventing mold?

Yes. Climate-controlled storage units are a game-changer for protecting sensitive items. They keep the temperature and humidity levels steady, which helps prevent mold and moisture damage. If you want the best defense against humidity, a climate-controlled unit is the way to go!

What items are most susceptible to mold growth?

Many items are susceptible to mold growth if they retain moisture, including wood, leather, fabric, paper, and carpet.

Should I use moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers in my storage unit?

Yes. These help prevent mold growth by absorbing excess moisture in the storage unit. You can easily find them online or at packing supply stores. Just toss a few into your storage containers and they’ll help keep things dry.

How XYZ Storage Can Help

Looking to rent a storage unit? It could be just what you need! whether you’re decluttering your home or looking for a spot to stash your seasonal items. At XYZ Storage, we’re all about helping you find the perfect solution to your storage challenges. 

Our XYZ Storage facilities offer temperature-controlled units that are perfect for storing sensitive items like furniture, clothing, electronics, artwork, wine, medical supplies, and more. With locations across Toronto and the GTA, including Downtown, Midtown, West Toronto, Etobicoke, and Scarborough we’re convenient and accessible.

We offer a variety of affordable storage options to fit your needs. Stop by any of our locations and our self-storage experts will be happy to help you find the perfect unit. Let us make your storage experience simple and stress-free!