Sofia Martinez
Plastic storage containers are a great way to store items, but they can become a breeding ground for mould if not properly maintained. Mould thrives in humid conditions, so it is important to keep your containers dry and well-ventilated. Here are some tips to prevent mould from growing in your plastic storage containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Bleach, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide |
| Cleaning methods | Soak, scrub, dishwasher |
| Prevent moisture | Use silica gel, desiccant packets, dehumidifier, vapor barrier, raised wooden pallets, shelving panels, airtight containers |
| Airflow | Leave a small gap or opening in the container, avoid placing boxes directly on concrete floors |
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What You'll Learn
Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel or desiccant packs
Preventing mould in plastic storage containers is a tricky business. Mould spores are everywhere, and they need only a damp surface to germinate and spread. One way to prevent mould is to use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel or desiccant packs.
Silica gel is a desiccant, meaning it has a high affinity for moisture and can quickly absorb water vapour from the air. The silicon dioxide crystals in silica gel have tiny pores that capture water molecules. This helps to keep the relative humidity low inside a sealed package, inhibiting the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria. Silica gel starts out looking like transparent beads, but as it absorbs water, it changes to a translucent bluish colour. This colour change is useful as it allows the silica gel to be reused after drying it out.
Silica gel is ideal for preventing mould in packaging containing food, electronics, leather goods, tools, metal parts, or pharmaceuticals. It can also be used to prevent mould in basements, attics, or anywhere else that might be damp. Silica gel packets are often included in packaged foods, medications, or products shipped in boxes to keep the contents dry and mould-free.
Desiccant packs work in a similar way to silica gel, absorbing moisture and helping to keep the environment dry. This will prevent the growth of mould, which thrives in humid conditions.
To prevent mould in plastic storage containers, it is also important to ensure the containers are airtight and properly sealed. Items placed inside should be completely dry, as any trapped moisture can promote mould growth. A vapor barrier can also be installed to prevent water from getting inside and causing mould.
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Keep humidity levels below 60%
Keeping humidity levels below 60% is crucial to prevent mould growth in plastic storage containers. Here are some ways to achieve and maintain this level of humidity:
Firstly, ensure your storage area is well-ventilated. Create airflow by leaving small gaps or openings in the containers to allow for air circulation. This will prevent moisture buildup. However, be mindful of pests that may enter through these openings and take necessary precautions.
Another way to control humidity is by using moisture-absorbing products like desiccant packets, silica gel, or silica pellets. These products help maintain a dry environment within the storage containers. Place a few of these packets in each container, especially when storing fragile items.
Additionally, consider investing in a small dehumidifier, especially if your storage area is prone to dampness. Dehumidifiers work to remove excess moisture from the air, helping to maintain humidity levels below 60%.
It is also important to choose the right storage space. Avoid concrete floors as they are porous and can absorb water. Instead, opt for raised wooden pallets with a sheet of plastic placed underneath the containers to prevent direct contact with the floor.
By implementing these measures, you can effectively maintain humidity levels below 60%, creating an unfavourable environment for mould growth in your plastic storage containers.
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Ensure plastic containers are clean and dry before storage
Ensuring that plastic containers are clean and dry before storing them is crucial to preventing mould growth. This is because mould thrives in humid environments, and even a small amount of moisture can provide the perfect environment for mould to develop over time. Therefore, it is essential to clean and dry items thoroughly before placing them into storage.
To clean plastic containers effectively, wash them in hot soapy water and then soak them in a solution of hot water and bleach for 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking, scrub the containers well and then put them through the dishwasher to ensure they are entirely free of bleach. Alternatively, you can use a thin towel to dry between the two lid components. However, if the rubber seal is very rigid, it may be difficult to lift away from the lid, in which case a bleach bath is preferable.
In addition to cleaning, it is vital to ensure that plastic containers are completely dry before storing them. You can use a moisture-absorbing product like silica gel or desiccant packs to help with this process. Placing a moisture barrier, such as plastic sheeting, at the bottom of the container can also aid in keeping items dry.
Another critical factor in preventing mould growth is proper sealing. Make sure that containers are sealed correctly, as small gaps or imperfections can allow mould spores to enter. To achieve an effective seal, you can use internal lids purchased from craft shops or create your own using cling film and an elastic band. After stretching the film over the box without any creases, secure it with an elastic band and then fit the external lid over it. For added protection, you can also wrap duct tape tightly around the outside of the lid.
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Use a vapor barrier to prevent water from getting inside
Vapor barriers are an effective way to prevent water from getting inside plastic storage containers and causing mould. They are especially useful if your containers are in a cold environment and will be occupied for long, continuous periods during the cold season.
Vapor barriers are a type of vapor retarder, which slow the diffusion and infiltration of moisture through a wall system. They are straightforward items that can be installed in many ways. One way is to place the vapor barrier over your items to stop mould from getting to them. Make sure to tuck this cover under each storage bin's edges. Alternatively, you can install a plastic barrier directly onto the walls of your storage unit to keep water out. This method provides more protection but takes longer. Before making any changes to your storage unit, consult your storage facility manager, as some may not allow alterations to the interior.
Vapor barriers can also be used inside storage containers. For example, if you are storing clothing, you may want to use airtight plastic boxes. These containers prevent moisture from getting inside. You can also buy small packs of desiccants, similar to those found in new shoe boxes, to absorb any residual moisture. However, if you are storing art or books, use breathable, acid-free boxes instead.
If you are using cardboard boxes, make sure they are not directly on the ground and are stacked on another container. Use a plastic tarp or a canvas tarp to protect the cardboard from moisture. Tarps are inexpensive and not vulnerable to mould or mildew.
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Bleach plastic containers to remove mould
Bleach is an effective sanitizer for removing mould from plastic containers. It is important to remember that mould can grow on the plastic itself and not just on the food inside the containers. Bleach can be used to remove mould from plastic containers by mixing one cup of bleach with four litres or one gallon of water. The plastic container should be soaked in this solution for at least 15 minutes, or 10 minutes if you are just bleaching the lid, and then rinsed and washed thoroughly with dish soap and warm water to ensure that all bleach residue is removed.
While bleach is effective at removing stains, it can discolour plastic. If you are concerned about discolouration, you may want to consider using undiluted vinegar, which is also an effective mould remover and is safe for most plastics. You can also add baking soda to the vinegar for extra cleaning power.
To prevent mould from growing on plastic containers in the future, it is important to keep the containers dry and clean and store them in a well-ventilated area. It is also important to ensure that the containers are completely dry before storing them and to use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel or desiccant packs. Additionally, using airtight containers and proper sealing can help prevent mould by minimising air and moisture exchange between the container and its surroundings.
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Frequently asked questions
Make sure the containers are completely dry before storing them, and consider using a moisture barrier like plastic sheeting at the bottom of the container.
Ensure the items placed inside are completely dry, as any trapped moisture can promote mold growth. You can also use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel or desiccant packs.
Wash the containers in hot soapy water, then soak them in a mixture of hot water, soap, and bleach for 15-20 minutes. Wash them again before the water cools.
Set up a vapor barrier in your unit to prevent water from getting inside and causing mold. You can place it over your items, ensuring it is tucked under each storage bin's edges, or install it directly onto the walls of the storage facility.
