Storage boxes can be used for the storing of a wide array of different items, and storing clothing and other important items in plastic storage containers is a good way to prevent them from being exposed to mildew and moisture.
Not picky, mould and mildew can grow on most materials including wood, fabrics, paper, stone and even plastics. These fungis will gradually break down affected materials if left long enough.
For solid items, like books, it's best to go for a breathable, acid-free box that will prevent the intrusion of moisture. For the likes of clothing, you should try and avoid using boxes alone. Instead, vacuum-sealed bags are the best air-tight solution, which can also be folded and stored in a box.
Wrapping your items in plastic if at all possible is going to help a great deal in preventing mold growth.
Silica gel, made of sodium silicate, comes in bead or granular form and attracts and removes moisture from the air. Most often sold in small packets or devices, silica gel works well in room temperature conditions but can be quite expensive if being used in larger areas like basements.
mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem.
To prevent mold, or at least prevent mold from forming for a while, yes, airtight containers can help, but be warned! If you are packing food in either airtight containers or vacuum bags, there are STILL mold spores floating all around you, invisible to you, too small to see.
Long-term or short-term, you must wash your clothes before storing them in a storage unit. Also, while we're on the subject, make sure your clothes are 100% dry before storage. If they aren't, the moisture in them can create mold and mildew. Both of these can be even worse than the damage done by rodents and bugs!
When choosing fabric for your home, you can select a type that resists mildew better than others, such as polyester or viscose. If you love the natural look, there's no need to give it up – modern blends of man-made fibres can be woven to mimic the look and feel of natural fabric.
Fiberglass insulation helps resist any water damage and mold growth. Fiberglass is resistant to mold by its nature, and some companies produce an added layer of protection by treating their products with an EPA-approved fungicide.
No, it isn't. This is a myth. But it's one you might have heard a few times when ringing around to ask about different self-storage options. You may have been told your stuff will get damp after a while because that's what happens with containers.
Cardboard is like a “Twinkie” for mold when it becomes wet. Mold loves it. Cardboard is also a great reservoir for dust, which includes mold spores and fragments. So all those mycotoxins and mold spores get trapped inside and on cardboard boxes.
Cardboard is a porous/absorptive material that harbors moisture and promotes the growth of mold.
Mix a bleach solution with ½ cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water. For mold that cannot be cleaned off, use a stronger strength solution of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. Place the plastic container in the solution so that all of the moldy areas are completely submerged.
It is also very important that there is adequate ventilation in the room. Open a window or door so the mold spores can escape, instead of staying locked in your home.
Cold weather will not kill mold. Mold spores are opportunistic in the sense that they wait for the right conditions and then begin to spread. Extreme temperatures do not kill mold, but they can deactivate them.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.
Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don't rinse. Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water.
Mold hates light. Other than moisture there's nothing mold loves more than dark places. An easy prevention against mold growth is opening your blinds and shades. If it's warm enough out, open the windows.
Keep silica gel pouches within wardrobes, book cabinets, shoe cabinets and drawers. Silica gel absorbs moisture that might be present within the closed storage unit and does not support any kind of fungal growth. Do not overfill the storage cabinets or pack clothes very tightly.
The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem.