Making Your Employees Feel Comfortable

Whether you are looking to store extra pieces of furniture, unused clothing or old home appliances, a storage unit can be a great way to gain extra space for your storage needs. Self-storage units can provide covered protection to help keep your belongings safe from the elements. Unfortunately, humidity inside the storage unit can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, especially on items such as mattresses, upholstery furniture and clothing. Here is a look at how you can prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your self-storage unit so as to prevent damage. 

Keep moisture at bay

Moist conditions inside a storage unit are typically the main culprit for the growth of mold and mildew. Choosing a breathable unit with proper air circulation and temperature control can be a great way to ensure moisture buildup is reduced, eliminating the growth of mold and mildew. If your storage unit isn't air conditioned, eliminate moisture by treating carpets, mattresses and leather couches with baking soda to draw moisture.

You can also pour baking soda inside refrigerators and stoves that may have moisture or food residue inside them to keep them dry while in storage. Alternatively, use a dehumidifier regularly to eliminate mustiness in the storage unit. 

Avoid placing moist rugs, mats or clothing in storage, as they can create the right conditions for mold and mildew growth. Finally, avoid placing liquid items in storage, as they may leak and make your storage unit humid. If you have any liquid items stored, be sure to periodically check the unit for flooding or leaking that could cause rot and mold growth on your items. 

Use vinegar

Vinegar can be a low cost way to kill mold/mildew and eliminate odors inside your self-storage unit. Open containers of white vinegar placed strategically around the unit will usually evaporate slowly, absorbing moisture and foul smells from the air. The vinegar can also acidify the air, killing mold and mildew even in hard-to-reach places. You can also mop the floor and walls of the unit in vinegar to keep the space dry and odor-free. 

Use airtight plastic bins

Placing small items in airtight plastic bins can helps prevent moisture in the air from soaking into your belongings, which can help discourage the growth of mold and mildew. For larger items such as upholstered furniture, covering them in fitted plastic-wrap can help keep out. Be sure to vacuum-seal the plastic to avoid trapping moisture inside your belongings. 

For assistance, talk to a self storage facility.