Four Things You Can Do To Prevent Items From Molding While In Storage
Posted on: 19 May 2017
If you're spending the time and money to keep your items in a storage unit, you want to ensure they are still usable when you take them out. One of the most common issues to befall items placed in storage is mold. Since mold is hard to remove from plush items and can leave stains on hard surfaces, mold development often leaves items useless. Follow these tips, and you'll greatly reduce the chances of mold growth in your storage unit.
Let items dry before putting them in storage.
It's certainly a good idea to clean items like refrigerators and stoves before putting them in storage. But you need to do this several days beforehand so the items have a chance to dry. Otherwise, the moisture may cause mold growth -- not only on these items themselves, but possibly also on other items that touch them. When cleaning hard surface items prior to storage, use bleach. This will kill any mold spores on the items, reducing the risk of mold growth even further.
Use breathable covers.
You might seem that encasing your mattress, clothing, and other soft items in plastic will keep them safe. However, if there is even a little moisture in the air when you package these items, the plastic will trap it against them and increase the chances of mold growth. Use breathable cotton sheets to cover everything in your storage unit, from sofas to ovens. The cotton will keep dust off the items while also allowing them to breath.
Put boxes of desiccant out.
Ideally, you should choose a climate-controlled storage unit to give your items the most protection from high humidity levels. But if you cannot afford this type of unit or there's not one available in your area, the next best thing is to rent a non-climate-controlled unit and to set up several open boxes of silicone desiccant inside. The desiccant will absorb moisture in the air so your items do not become so moist and prone to mold growth. Make sure you return to the storage unit and replace the boxes of desiccant every couple of months.
Check for cracks.
Before you put your items in a specific storage unit, check the walls and ceiling for any cracks that may allow moisture to seep in. If you do see any cracks, ask the storage facility manner if they can give you a different unit.
For more information, contact companies like I-70 Self Storage.
Share