By now, we are all well aware of the damage that mold and mildew can do to our property and health. Unfortunately, none of our personal belongings are safe from the dangers of mold, not even items that are held in storage facilities.
Yes, you’ve read that right. If your storage facility has a mold problem, then there’s a big chance that your furniture or other items are also infested. However, there are a couple of methods you can use to prevent mold and protect your furniture from further infestations.
Make Sure Your Stored Items Are Dry
It goes without saying that mold grows in damp and dark environments. Storage facilities are already pretty dark, so you need to do your best to avoid increasing the humidity in the room. That means making sure that all items, including furniture, are 100% dry.
Remember that just one slightly wet item can mess up the humidity levels significantly, leaving the door wide open for mold to grow on your belongings. As a result, before you store your valuables, leave them out in the sun in order to dry completely.
Protect Your Furniture Properly
Storing your items requires a bit more thought than you would assume. Just placing them inside storage and locking the door is never enough. You’ll need to take some extra precautions, like keeping your items off the ground. That way, you reduce condensation and minimize exposure to potential existing mold infestations. You should also wrap your furniture in plastic sheets or use the original packaging to provide an extra layer of protection.
Check the Humidity Levels
Mold growth requires high humidity. That’s why it’s vital to measure the humidity levels inside your storage unit regularly by either installing a relative humidity gauge or asking a professional to do it for you. As a rule of thumb, indoor humidity shouldn’t exceed 50%. So, if you notice abnormal humidity levels, use a dehumidifier to reduce them. Keep in mind that humidity tends to change depending on multiple factors, like outside temperature and ventilation. Therefore, you’ll need to check it at least once a week to ensure the safety of your furniture.
Be on the Lookout for Leaks
Generally speaking, storage units are prone to water leaks. As a result, you should inspect the unit closely for cracks and holes and fix them immediately. No matter how small the cracks seem, they can put your valuables at risk by allowing water to infiltrate.
And don’t forget to keep examining your unit every so often, as outdoor weather conditions can cause new cracks.
Contact Mold Solutions
Sadly, if your furniture is already infested with mold, there’s not much you can do. However, you can prevent damage to your other items by contacting a local mold remediation company. Not only will they deal with existing mold problems, but they can also make sure that your unit is safe from future infestations. So don’t let mold ruin your valuables, get in touch with Mold Solutions today!
