Here we are again with a new solution to an old problem, that how to prevent Mold in storage containers? Storage unit is very highly maintained unit in your home. Every one must have one to store items like clothing, decorations, extra toys, and other seasonal things to use them next time. But how to store them properly and how to maintain it’s cleanliness well. Using plastic storage containers is the best and affordable idea to store things for a long time.
Some of the plastic storage boxes tend to provide an airtight atmosphere for the storage that is very good for clothing. Also, they are easy to maintain and clean. Mold is a highly possible chance when you leave a droplet of water, a feel of moisture and an atmosphere of humidity. So, to prevent the result, you must not start the story! But if this has happened, you should think of the solution now. Which I am going to discuss here in the below.
Storage Item Protection!
Prevention For Cloth Storage
Once you decide to store your items like clothing, you must follow some precautions for it. Remember, there are different instructions for different type of storage items. If you are going to store clothings, store them while they are properly cleaned, washed and dried.
A hint of moisture can destroy the whole storage container, so make sure to sun dry every cloth. For blankets and covers, wash them according to the manufacturer’s care label instruction, dry them properly and store them in airtight storage box.
Decorative Items
Decorative items and toys do not need any washing but make sure to clean them and prevent them from humidity. If any of the toy or decorative material have any kind of batteries attached to them, make sure to remove them. They can be very harmful if are connected for a long time. Crockery and pots are stored in proper foamed and airtight storage boxes to prevent any damage.
Glass And Other Fragile Items
Sometimes, small insects or pests can infest themselves in these boxes, so make sure to clean them and re check them every once in a while. Fragile items like glass and sensitive items need special care while storing and checking too. As we talk about clothing, cotton, linen and silk need extra care for moisture while velvet and warm clothes need attention for insects infestation. You can put some medicine like phenyl tablets in storage containers to prevent from insects.
Insulate Your Storage Box
To prevent your storage containers from moisture and humidity, you can insulate your storage container with some cotton, paper and wool glued in your container. This handy trick will make your storage container airtight and eventually save them from getting any moisture locked in them.
Choose & Prepare Your Storage Container
It is crucial to select the accurate storage container for different items for a proper storage. Plastic storage boxes are best for clothings and warm blankets to store. You can use large plastic storage bins for decoratives, fragile items that are huge in size, and non fragile crockery too! When you are done with the right and accurate selection of your storage box, it is time to prepare it for storage.
Why Is There Mold In My Storage Box?
Most of the times, Mold grows inside your storage container and can intake a very large space out there. Disinfecting your container from inside can prevent it thankfully, disinfectant sprays, white vinegar, baking soda sprinkle, and other items like these can prevent it from growing. They will prevent Mold in storage containers, moisture, insects and other damages while keeping your storage safe.
Baking Soda Magic
A box of baking soda with your storage items is useful too! With all of these you should put a moisture absorbent in the storage container like Silica gel, activated charcoal or salt from your kitchen. A tiny drop of grapefruit seed extract can protect your storage from Mold all along the time. Put it on a cotton ball and place inside a storage box carefully, this will do all the work for mold.
DIY Your Disinfection Spray!
To disinfect your box, DIY your cleaning solution at home, you can use baking soda, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and essential oils in a spray bottle and use them. Mix 2 parts of water, 1 part white vinegar, 20 drops of lemon essential oil, 20 drops tea tree oil and mix it together in a bottle.
You can just sprinkle a handful amount of baking soda in your box to prevent it from odor. You may use disinfectant sprays that are available in the market too, but make sure to check for safety measures, either they are save for clothing, and for other items or not.
Benefits Of White Vinegar To Prevent Mold
Prepare White Vinegar Solution!
If you don’t find any of these with you at the moment, you can use white vinegar as your last saviour, it can do all the magic you are looking for. Put an average amount of white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it all around the corners of the box. Let it dry for a while, and then you can start organizing your storage items in there.
Vinegar Can Kill Mold Spores!
White vinegar can kill all of the possible Mold spores in there that may possibly grow one day. Also, it kills other bacterias too that may harm the items or the box itself. Wipe off the vinegar from inside of the box after 5 minutes of the application. Make sure to stack items carefully while leaving no space for mold to grow on the sides of a box.
Some Extra Techniques & Tricks
Waterproof Your Container
Make sure to waterproof your storage unit as a whole and your storage box too! Choose containers that are waterproof and with strong lids, so that you can move them easily. Control the leaks and cracks in the storage unit to prevent water seeping in there. Consider to install a vapor barrier in there to protect moisture problems. Keep moisture out of storage containers with the help of silica gel and other moisture absorbents.
Climate Controlled Facility
Control the climate of your storage facility, humidity, moisture, hot temperatures and extra cold temperatures can damage your storage. Inspect your stored items periodically for mold growth and moisture levels. Ventilate your container well, by leaving a small opening from the lid, or making an air flow possible through the container. Be mindful, this technique can intrigue the pests and insects to make their way into the storage box. Make sure to take precautions for that too!
Use Moisture Absorbers
Use desiccant packets inside the box and moisture absorbing bags with in the storage facility too. Activated charcoal, vapor barrier, silica gel, soda lime, alumina, rice and salt are moisture absorbents. Install moisture indicators to check on the moisture levels. If you are low on the budget, you should simply add a bin or two of cat litter, as this is an excellent moisture absorber.
Mold Proof Storage Containers
Use mold proof storage containers to get a perfect storage. You can choose mold proof storage containers to prevent your storage from moisture, pest and mold. These boxes come with a perfect lid that prevents moisture build up and regulate the air flow that is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
To prevent mold, ensure that the items you store are clean and dry before placing them in containers. Use moisture-absorbing packets or silica gel inside containers to reduce humidity, and choose containers with proper seals to keep moisture out.
Opt for airtight and moisture-resistant containers made of materials like plastic, glass, or metal. Containers with tight-fitting lids create a barrier against moisture, preventing mold growth. Transparent containers also help you easily monitor the stored items.
Yes, using moisture-absorbing products, such as silica gel packets or desiccants, can help control humidity inside storage containers. Place these packets strategically to absorb excess moisture and inhibit mold growth.
Yes, plastic and metal storage containers are best to prevent your storage from Mold. As they can lock out the moisture and air tight your items.
Yes, items made of organic materials like fabric, paper, or wood are more susceptible to mold growth. Ensure these items are completely dry before storing them, and consider using moisture-resistant containers with proper ventilation to prevent mold.
Yes, natural remedies like cedar blocks, cloves, or activated charcoal can help deter mold. However, it’s essential to replace or refresh these remedies periodically.
Check at least once every few months, especially if they are stored in damp or humid environments. Remove items, clean the containers thoroughly, and let them dry before placing items back inside.
