Most people are concerned about mold and mildew damaging their belongings while in the storage unit. And it’s a legitimate concern, especially if the unit is influenced by fluctuating temperatures, moisture, and humidity. And with the seasons changing again, this is when a climate-controlled self-storage unit becomes beneficial. Additionally, it's also important to know that preventing mold is far easier, and more cost-effective, than getting rid of it. It’s practically impossible to get rid of mold completely once they've set in on your personal effects. Therefore, follow our below advice to reduce your chances of dealing with mold so you don't have to worry about it in the first place, or having it spread to other items. What is Mold? Mold is fungi that can be found indoors and outdoors. Overexposure to mold can lead to many health issues, such as allergic reactions or respiratory complications. It is important to take precaution against mold when you can, especially when keeping items in storage for a long period of time. Mold v. Mildew While similar, mold and mildew do have notable differences. For one, mildew grows only on the surface of a moist area, whereas mold usually infects the entire item. As a result, mold is usually much harder - if even possible - to clean than mildew; mildew can usually be treated with a special cleaning product. Another big, and the most identifiable, difference between these two fungi is their appearance. Mildew starts as white or yellow in color and eventually turns brown or black, whereas mold is fuzzy and can be multiple colors, such as brown, black, green, pink, purple or orange. Despite their differences, both of these fungi are hazardous to everyone and everything, including your precious items in storage. Mold and mildew can be found virtually everywhere and for the most part, they are invisible to the naked eye. Some of the items most vulnerable to mold and mildew damages are: Mattresses Leather items Upholstered furniture Paper products and cardboard boxes Kitchen appliances that haven’t been properly cleaned before storing Prevent Mold. 1. Limit Exposure to Humidity: There are several factors that lead to the growth of this fungi, but the most significant (and preventable) one is moisture. Mold has spores, therefore they need moisture in order to grow. The best way to reduce its chances of growing is by keeping indoor humidity low. More specifically, humidity below 50% makes it almost impossible for the organisms to grow. 2. Keep Items Dry: A climate-controlled storage unit is a great start to keeping items safe from mold, but you must take additional steps as well. Every item kept in storage should be appropriately cleaned and thoroughly dry, especially your kitchen appliances. We recommend wiping all surfaces with baking soda or another non-abrasive cleaning product. 3. Wrap Your Items: Another tip to avoid mold is to use vacuum seal-able plastic when keeping items in bags or wrapping. This will help prevent water vapor from being trapped inside, therefore discouraging mold to develop.
