Mould could be growing in your storage boxes and bags if you haven’t done this first

When you finally pull an item out of storage to use, the last thing you want to find is mould. Unfortunately, it’s quite common, but as much as mould seems inevitable, there is a lot we can do to prevent it.

Professional organisers say there are several key mistakes we’re making when storing items, particularly things that have been packed away for the long term. 

Reconsider your storage locations

Maria Patisso, a Sydney-based professional organiser and founder of Organise My Life, names garages and external walls as the most problematic areas for mould growing on stored items.

“The biggest mistake is storing items in spaces that don’t have good airflow because people always think that when things are packed away neatly, it’s protected. But if they’re stored in damp garages, under beds or in packed wardrobes without ventilation, the moisture will get trapped, and that’s how mould develops,” she told nine.com.au.

“We also see mould on items that are packed tightly against walls and in garages – especially external walls because if they’re stored against external walls or on concrete floors in garages, there are fluctuations in temperature, and that’s when our clients will experience mould.”

Allow for airflow

Items stored on the floor of the garage are also at risk from rising damp, particularly in Victoria. To help combat this, Narelle King, professional organiser from Simply Happy Organisation, uses pallets of wood or bricks to prop up storage containers off the ground.

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“It also means there can be natural airflow going around it as well,” she said.

In other areas, simply not packing shelves and containers to the brim helps air circulate around stored items. But if you’re struggling to fit everything in while still allowing some space then it might be time to declutter that area.

“Ask yourself – why are you storing these items? Is it for a fantasy future when you are a different size, or are the items going to be used in the foreseeable future? Storing items without good reason is creating more work for yourself and inviting the mould into your home, when someone else could be getting use out of the items,”  Julie Whiting, professional organiser and owner of The Decluttering Co, said. 

Absorb the moisture

While items should be completely dry before being stored, there can also be moisture issues from condensation and warm air.

All you need to do to soak up that moisture before it starts ruining your belongings is use moisture absorbers – these work well even in the area of your wardrobe you use on a daily basis.

“If you are going to be containing items, use inexpensive things from Bunnings or Amazon. You can get big ones or really tiny ones and put them inside the container. If it’s going to be in a room that has a lot of damp, buy the larger ones that you can just pop in the corners,” Patisso said.

Keep an eye on it

When we store things we tend to put them in the box or bag then in a particular spot and leave it there until we either need it or move house. For seasonal items, like summer clothing stored away during winter, that might be a few months, but other things might be left there for years without us even looking at them.

This means that any signs of condensation can’t be stopped before they become a big problem. We’re also likely to miss seeing mould growth on items when it’s early enough to salvage.

“Make sure you’re checking those items every few months rather than leaving them untouched for years because that’s guaranteed mould in the future,” Patisso said.

Plastic container problems

Plastic containers are arguably the most useful storage item there is, but the nature of the material is that it isn’t breathable creating the perfect environment for mould growth. Some experts warn against them for this reason, but Patisso disagrees.

“We’ve done over 4000 client jobs, and I know that plastic tubs aren’t the problem on their own. If you get a good quality, sealed container, they are absolutely great to protect your items from dust, pests and things like that,” she said. 

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“The issue actually occurs when items are placed into the containers and the items already have existing moisture on them. When they’re put into the container and the lid goes on, you’re going to get condensation inside the tub, and that’s the real issue.”

In addition to ensuring all items are completely dry before going into a storage container, pop in some moisture absorbers and store in a spot with air flow around the box.

Fabric bag frustrations

If plastic containers aren’t breathable, it’s reasonable to assume that fabric bags are a better option, but it’s not quite that simple.

“Plastic will trap the moisture on the inside, while fabric absorbs the moisture from the outside,” Patisso said.

“Fabric bags can absorb moisture quite easily, especially when moisture is trapped inside, which can still happen. So, make sure things are completely dry when they go in there and don’t put, for example, two or three outfits in one bag because there won’t be enough airflow around the items, which can lead to mould.”

Following the steps for mould prevention in stored items regardless of whether you use fabric or plastic storage is important for preventing mould growth.

However, it’s best to choose the type of storage based on where the items are being stored to keep them in good condition.

“Fabric bags do not protect the contents from the outside elements, so if stored in a risky area like under a sink they will be problematic,” Whiting said.