Mould and mildew can ruin all sorts of items, and it can get out of control on stored possessions. However, there are plenty of easy steps you can take to stop a mould problem.

Does my storage unit insurance cover mould damage?

Your Store and Insure policy will cover possessions that have got mouldy because of a leak or a flood in the unit. But if your possessions were mouldy when you stored them, you cannot claim.

What is mould?

Mould and mildew both describe a type of fungus that grows in filaments. There are a very large numbers of different sorts and they grow on natural materials and some plastics, too.

Why is mould a problem when storing possessions?

Moulds break down natural materials such as leather, paper and textiles derived from plants or animals. Mildew spots are unsightly and can make books and documents unreadable.

Moulds produce dusty spores that cause disease or trigger allergies, making mattresses and upholstered furniture unusable. Mould can also have a musty smell.

Also, it spreads: once an item is mouldy, it is likely that it will spread mould to other items.

What does a mould problem look like?

In linen or paper mildew often looks like black dots. Mould might resemble a grey, dusty coating on leather. There might be filaments visible, too.

How can I avoid mould in my storage unit?

Opting for a climate-controlled storage unit is a good first step in preventing mould damage to your possessions. Always check your unit or locker thoroughly before you accept it. If there is a musty smell or any sign of water leakage, ask for a different space.

Your first defence against mould is to make sure everything you store is completely clean and thoroughly dry. In particular, check that clothes and linens have been aired, ideally in a sunny place. Kitchen appliances should be free from food residue.

If you find mould on an item and you can’t clean it off, consider getting rid of it rather than trying to store it. Mould will spread to your other possessions if left untreated.

Check your possessions regularly to ensure you catch any problems quickly and before they spread.

How do I get rid of a mould stain on fabric?

Getting a mould spot out of fabric takes time and patience, particularly if the spot has been there a while. You may be able to get rid of a mould spot with a specialist mould stain treatment or with bleach. Another tip is to hang the item in the sun. It may take several washes for the spot to fade completely. Washing powder Aerial has detailed advice on removing mould stains.

Do you have to have insurance for possessions in storage ?

Whether or not you need insurance for stored possessions depends on your storage company. Some will require you to have insurance as part of their contract with you. Others will not. Some will offer (or even try to impose) their own insurance products on you – but make sure you get a quote from Store and Insure as well!