What Can I Do to Stop My Belongings Going Mouldy and Smelly in Storage?

If you are storing belongings for a long period of time, one of the biggest concerns is mould, damp smells and stale odours.

People often ask:

• What can I do to stop my belongings going mouldy?
• Why do stored clothes smell old?
• Why do storage units sometimes smell damp?

The answer is usually simple.

Make Sure Everything Is Clean and Completely Dry Before Storage

Most storage odours are caused by moisture and organic residues left on items before storage.

Mould and bacteria thrive in:

• Moisture
• Warm environments
• Organic material

Even items that appear clean may still contain:

• Skin oils
• Sweat residues
• Dust and dirt
• Food residues
• Organic debris

Over time these materials can create unpleasant:

• Musty smells
• Damp odours
• Stale clothing smells

Why Do Stored Clothes Smell Bad?

Clothing naturally absorbs skin oils, sweat and moisture during normal use.

If fabrics are stored unwashed or slightly damp, bacteria can slowly break these materials down over time, creating unpleasant odours and increasing the risk of mould growth.

Synthetic materials can sometimes retain odours even more than natural fibres.

Mould in Storage Containers

Mould thrives in damp conditions and feeds on organic material such as cardboard, fabrics, dust and natural fibres.

Once mould begins to develop it can spread quickly and produce the familiar earthy smell associated with damp environments.

Boxed Up Storage Ozone Odour Treatment

Occasionally a storage container may retain unpleasant odours after it has been emptied.

After cleaning the container, we may use a controlled high-humidity ozone treatment process to help reduce lingering odours caused by organic residues.

Ozone can oxidise odour-causing organic residues and help reduce mould spores, bacteria and smells when used under controlled conditions.

By helping reduce odour-causing organic residues and oxidising odour molecules, ozone treatment can help leave containers smelling fresher.

Ozone can be dangerous and must only be used under strict safety controls. Containers remain sealed during treatment and are thoroughly ventilated before reuse.

Simple Tips to Help Prevent Mould and Storage Odours

• Wash clothing and fabrics before storage
• Ensure everything is completely dry
• Avoid storing damp cardboard
• Do not leave wet towels or cloths inside containers
• Use breathable packing materials where possible
• Avoid trapping moisture inside sealed bags
• Keep food and organic waste out of storage

Taking these simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of mould and unpleasant odours during long-term storage.