What to Do If You Find Mold in Your Storage Unit

You’re excited to revisit cherished memories or check on your business stock, stored safely away. But as the storage unit door rolls up, you’re greeted by an unwelcome sight and stench — mold.

Wondering how to keep a storage unit mold-free? From spotting mold on furniture in storage to mastering the art of keeping it away from your unit, we’ll explore step by step, practical and effective strategies to prevent and manage mold in storage units. Plus, you can also apply them to storage areas in your home as well. 

What’s Up With Mold in Storage Units?

Mold, a simple fungus, finds a perfect home in places that are damp, dark and not so airy. Your typical storage unit, one that isn’t climate-controlled, might just have the right mix for mold to settle in. Mold in climate-controlled storage units can still happen, but it’s much less likely.

What stirs mold into action? It’s a mix of high humidity, not enough fresh air, walls that don’t keep the moisture out and leaks that go unnoticed. Using cardboard boxes to store your belongings, especially for fabrics, might just be an open invitation to mold. And it doesn’t take a flood; sometimes, just a bit too much humidity or a small leak can start a mold party.

The problem is mold can harm your stored treasures, especially those that soak up moisture easily. More than that, it can affect your health, leading to allergies or breathing troubles.

Signs of Mold in Storage Units

Keep an eye out for discoloration on your furniture or other items. Mold shows up in a range of shades like black, green, white, orange and purple. Some molds look fuzzy, others slimy, and then there’s the smell — a musty odor that simply doesn’t belong.

To catch mold early, make regular checks part of your routine and look for any discoloration, strange musty smell or signs of water damage. Here are the most common types of mold in storage units:

Stachybotrys chartarum, aka toxic black mold, is a particularly nasty type of mold that produces airborne mycotoxins that can make you sick. When encountering any type of mold it is a good idea to wear a mask or respirator and handle your items with protective gloves.

Risks and Consequences of Mold in Storage Units

Mold in storage units can wreak havoc on various items, pose health risks and dent your wallet.

• Fabrics, papers and wood furniture absorb moisture, which makes them susceptible to mold damage. Upholstery and electronics are also at risk, as mold can corrode and degrade them.
• Health-wise, mold exposure can lead to allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory problems, especially if you are sensitive.
• Financially, mold damage can be costly and often leads to significant property loss. Note that insurance may cover these damages in some cases, but this highly depends on the specific terms of your policy.

Are storage units responsible for mold? Can I sue the storage facility for mold?

While it’s crucial to minimize delay, you should be familiar with the terms of your storage unit rental agreement before you proceed to contact the management of the facility. Although state and local laws may render some clauses unenforceable, standard storage unit language places the risk of loss for water damage squarely on the renter. In other words, mold and water damage are not their problems, but yours.

Many storage unit operators require their renters to insure their belongings for this reason. Your homeowners or renter’s insurance policy may cover the damage, or if you purchased a separate policy for storage unit insurance, mold damage might be covered. Check with your insurance agent to see whether this type of event is covered. If it is covered and you discover mold on furniture in storage or other mold damage, file a claim right away.

How To Keep Storage Units Mold-Free

Units with robust climate control, effective ventilation and adequate insulation to manage humidity and airflow offer better protection against mold than non-climate controlled storage units. Here are a few extra tips on how to keep mold out of your storage unit:

• Silica gel is the most widely used moisture absorber for storage units. Spread silica gel packets or charcoal throughout the unit to absorb excess moisture, keeping the environment dry.
• Inspect your unit regularly for leaks or damp spots, especially after weather events like heavy rains.
• Dispose of unnecessary items that might attract mold, like damaged papers or unused moving boxes.
• Avoid moving into your storage unit when its raining. You want to make sure your items are completely dry before storing them. 

Managing Ventilation, Air Circulation and Humidity

Ventilation and air circulation in storage units reduce moisture accumulation, which is a key condition for mold growth, as we’ve seen earlier.

What ventilation does is help disperse moisture that may emanate from stored items or seep in from the outside — storage units aren’t sealed containers, after all. Keeping the air moving and fresh also helps in drying out any accidental spills or condensation, which further reduces the likelihood of mold showing up.

Here’s what you can do:

• Space out items in the storage unit to promote air movement and avoid stacking boxes tightly against walls or in clusters. Periodically inspect the unit to ensure air can circulate freely, look for any obstructions and rearrange as needed.
• In areas with high humidity, a dehumidifier is a must, but not all units come with sockets. Instead of dehumidifying appliances, use a moisture absorber such as DampRid, which contains a substance called calcium chloride that draws moisture out of the air. Such moisture absorbers need to be changed periodically, especially during periods of high humidity. 
• Use a hygrometer to get an accurate reading of the humidity level in your storage unit and aim to keep it between 30% and 50%.
• If your unit has built-in ventilation, clean it regularly and check for any blockages or malfunctions.

Proper Packing and Sealing of Items

Since mold thrives in damp environments, your goal is to keep your items dry and well-protected in storage. Here’s how to pack and seal your belongings to ward off mold:

• For clothes and fabrics, airtight containers are your best bet, as they prevent moisture from seeping in. For long-term storage, vacuum sealing can provide an excellent moisture barrier.
• Wrap artwork in a heavy, breathable cloth and place it in a wood or cardboard specialist art box.
• Pack books in corrugated cardboard boxes lined with acid-free packing paper. Place them standing up and allow space for airflow in the box.
• Keep your items off the ground on shelves or pallets. This prevents moisture absorption from the floor, a common source of dampness.
• Place silica gel packets or other desiccants in your boxes and make sure all boxes are closed securely.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Keeping your storage unit mold-free requires attentive and regular maintenance. Visit your unit often, especially after extreme weather, to check for any signs of moisture, leaks or mold growth. If your unit is climate-controlled, that’s a blessing, but you should still periodically verify that it is maintaining the appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

Check on items that are prone to mold like clothes or books more often to catch early signs of mold so that you can deal with it properly and immediately. Small problems can escalate quickly in enclosed spaces.

Do You Have Mold on Furniture in Storage?

Whether it’s a wooden chair, a leather sofa or an upholstered armchair, none of them are immune to mold. But a little bit of mold isn’t always the end of the world if you know how to clean it correctly. Here are some tips for cleaning mold from furniture:

• For wood furniture, use a mix of water and white vinegar for cleaning. Avoid excessive moisture and sand down deeply affected areas.
• Dry clean fabrics and upholstery with a vacuum and a soft brush to loosen and remove mold spores. If necessary, mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1 cup of warm water, and blot the mold away with it. Do not soak the fabric!
• Leather furniture can be cleaned with a mix of water and white vinegar. Apply leather conditioner post-cleaning.
• For wicker and rattan, use a gentle brush and soapy water.

Note: Always let the furniture dry fully after cleaning and before putting it back into storage.

Say No to Mold in Storage Units

So, there you have it — your game plan for keeping storage units mold-free. Check in on your unit, keep items clean and dry, and let the air do its thing with no obstructions. Simple habits protect your stuff, your health and your finances.