If you want to learn how to prevent storage unit mold and maintain the quality of your stored items, you’re in the right place!

Let’s face it, the last thing you want on your mind when you put away your stuff in a storage unit is the threat of mold. But unfortunately, that’s a common concern. Certain items are simply prone to growing mold and mildew. As you probably know, mold is quite destructive and can ruin your household things, causing them to smell badly and eventually go to waste. Beyond the material damage, it’s also dangerous for your health as it can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. 

The key is to think one step ahead! You don’t want to find your stored items damp, soiled, or, in some cases, unsalvageable when you come to retrieve them from your storage unit. So, it’s important to do your best to prevent mold in your storage unit. Read on to discover eight essential tips for ensuring your belongings are safe.

8 Ways to Prevent Mold in Storage Units

We’ll share the eight most effective tips for preventing mold growth and protecting your things. Most of them are easy and quite simple, but they all work like a charm! 

1. Choose Your Storage Containers Wisely

If you’re tempted to go for a simple cardboard box for all the belongings you want to put away, you better think twice. Here’s why. While cardboard boxes are definitely the easiest solution (that works perfectly well for some items), it’s not the most ideal option for anything made out of fabrics, such as clothing, sneakers, and linens. The reason is they don’t protect well enough against moisture, so your clothes and linens could end up damaged by mold and mildew.

You should choose storage containers depending on what you want to store. For example, acid-free boxes are the best storage containers for books, while vacuum-sealed bags are best for clothing.

2. Pick the Right Storage Unit

Your best bet for preventing mold in your storage is to pick the right storage facility. Investing in a reliable and waterproof storage unit would reduce your anxiety and stress about getting your stuff damaged while stored.

There are so many different features that storage facilities offer nowadays, but picking the right one for you depends on your needs. In this case, it’s all about finding a moisture-resistant storage space. Most storage places have air conditioning, and dehumidifiers can help prevent mold growth. Some facilities also have the option of adding features such as vents or air conditioners for extra protection.

3. Clean and Dry Items Before Storing

As you probably know, mold requires moisture to grow. It either happens because of water intrusion or high humidity levels. That’s why cleaning and drying your items thoroughly is vital before putting them in storage units. 

If you leave things damp, they can attract mold which can ruin your clothes and furniture. When it comes to clothing, make sure you check for food stains, oily deposits because they can also attract mold and other pests. Anything you have that has been exposed to water like outdoor furniture should be dried completely. 

So, clean and dry your belongings a couple of days ahead before storing them and make sure you keep all compartments open so that they air out properly.

4. Pack Desiccators in Your Storage Container

Desiccators are those packets filled with tiny balls made of silica gel that you usually get with your new shoes or sneakers. If you’ve never wondered what they actually do, now’s your chance to find out. They actually protect your new shoes and are safe for you until you buy them. That’s what you can also do with your clothes and linens. Just put a few of those packets into your storage containers and they will absorb moisture, keeping mold and mildew away. 

5. Consider a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Your best chance in fighting off mold is to consider using a climate controlled storage unit. Since mold thrives in warm conditions, a climate controlled unit can be a great solution for keeping the humidity and temperature stable, preventing mold growth and preserving the condition of your stuff. These units offer heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, which are all powerful allies in maintaining optimal environmental conditions in your storage.

6. Use Mold-Preventive Products to Prevent Mold Growth

Another way to prevent mold growth in your storage unit is to use special prevention products such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, or mold control sprays. They all work in different ways but will help you keep your unit in an optimal condition.

For instance, air purifiers filter out mold spores from the air and improve air quality in your storage. They use HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air), which are designed to trap tiny particles like mold spores, dust mites, and pollen and prevent them from spreading and growing in your storage room.

Dehumidifiers are also an effective tool for fighting mold. They reduce humidity level in the air, creating a less favorable environment for mold growth. It’s important to regularly clean out and replace the filters in your dehumidifiers so that they remain effective in preventing mold.

While dehumidifiers and air purifiers address the underlying cause of moisture buildup, mold control sprays are designed to treat existing mold and prevent it from spreading. You can use them together to ensure your storage area is in top condition. 

7. Measure Moisture Levels

Since mold thrives in humid conditions, it’s essential to keep a dry environment in your storage unit. Remember to check your storage unit regularly to ensure moisture levels are low. Using a hydrometer is the best way to monitor and prevent moisture. It helps you stay informed on humidity levels and promptly react if they begin to rise. Keeping the humidity levels below 55% will effectively discourage mold growth, but it would be ideal to go for 30-50%.

8. Position the Items Strategically

If you want to prevent mold, pay attention to how you position your belongings in your storage unit. It’s important to leave some air to circulate around your items. So, for instance, try to avoid putting things directly against the walls. Instead, make sure there’s a bit of space to allow air movement. This helps to prevent moisture buildup and keeps your stuff safe.

FAQ: How to Prevent Mold in Storage Units

How to Get Mold Out of a Storage Unit?

You can get mold out of your storage unit by brushing it out as much as you can with a soap or detergent. Once you get the most visible parts cleaned up, you can put some bleach on it for around 15 minutes, then rinse and repeat. Remember to wear protective gear at all times while you work on getting the mold out.

How to Stop Stuff From Getting Mouldy in Storage?

You can stop your stored items from going moldy by packing them in airtight containers or placing silica gel packs inside your waterproof boxes. You can also protect it from mold by investing in a reliable and waterproof storage unit provider who will make sure your items are clean and safe.

Are Storage Units Responsible for Mold?

Storage units require their renters to adequately pack and insure their staff, so for this reason, they are not generally responsible if mold happens. That’s why it’s important you do your best to keep your unit organized and properly maintained.

What Is the Best Moisture Absorber for Storage Units?

Silica gel packets are considered to be the best moisture absorber for storage units. They are able to absorb excess moisture from the air and protect items from getting moldy. They’re also simple to use and very affordable, making them a go-to solution for preventing mold growth in storage units.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with mold on your belongings is quite a hassle. It can ruin your favorite clothes and take a lot of time to clean out. That’s why prevention is the best medicine. You want to keep your storage unit well organized, clean, and in top condition. All the tips from above will help you keep mold away, providing peace of mind knowing your storage facility is protected. 

To stay extra safe about your stuff, we suggest you look into waterproof storage units. At MyStorageBox, we offer waterproof containers for all your storage needs. Our units are safe, affordable, and very convenient to use. Get in touch with us at (580) 300-3006 and we’ll talk more!