Understanding Proper Storage Practices

3 Tips For Salvaging Items From A Storage Unit That Have Mold Damage

28 June 2016 by Charles Martinez

If your storage unit is located in a humid environment, then it can result in excess moisture in the air. If your items are not correctly sealed before placing them in storage, then this can result in the items developing mold and mildew.  Once you spot the damage it is important to remove them as soon as possible. Depending on the item that is affected, it can be hard to salvage an item that has been destroyed by mold and mildew damage.  Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use to salvage items from your storage unit that have mold damage.

Wash all Cotton Fabrics Immediately

Fabrics like cotton clothes or bed sheets should be placed into a washing machine immediately after the mold is spotted. These items can be restored to their original condition using soap and water. Once the clothes have been washed, it is important to place them directly into a dryer or allow them to air dry. If you live in a humid environment, then it is important to avoid air-drying these materials. The humidity will only invite new mold and mildew growth to form on your items.

Lay Papers and Books Out to Dry

If you have papers and books that have been damaged by humidity, then it is important to lay them outside in the sun to dry. Place a fan near the books and papers in order to help speed up the drying process. For the books that are damaged, you can place absorbent paper in between every ten to twenty pages in order to soak up extra moisture. If you live in a humid environment, then it is important to use a fan to dry your water-damaged papers and books. Solely air drying these items is not fast enough to prevent the growth of new mold and mildew.

Clean Wood Furniture Using Ammonia

Woof furniture that has been exposed to humidity will only experience small amounts of water damage. Therefore, the furniture can still be salvaged by simply cleaning and removing the mold.  An ammonia spray can be used to effectively kill off the bacteria and mold growth on your wood furniture. Simply mix half a cup of ammonia with half a cup of water in a spray bottle. Apply the spray directly to your wood furniture and use a clean cloth to remove the mold and mildew. Once you have sprayed all of your furniture with the mix, it is important to use a fan to dry it.

Noticing mold damage on your items that are in storage can seem like a major setback. Fortunately, you can use these tips to help you resolve the problem fairly quickly (click here for more information).

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