How to Prevent Mold in Your Storage Shed: Tips and Tricks for a Mold-Free Space

You purchased an outdoor storage building to store the things you value. Whether it's lawn equipment, woodworking tools, or family heirlooms, you want your belongings protected from the elements. But sometimes, those elements invade even the best-kept homes and storage buildings, causing problems like mold and mildew. From the construction phase to packing your items, several ways to prevent mold in your shed exist.

Begin with Proper Storage Shed Construction

Your first line of defense when it comes to preventing mold and mildew in your outdoor storage building is ventilation. A ridge vent in the shed’s roof and gable vents allow hot air to escape without letting rain in. Another place to install vents is in the soffit under the eaves of the building. Soffit vents draw cooler, drier air into the building, pushing the warmer, moist air out.

Vapor barriers also help prevent moisture in storage buildings. Polyethylene plastic or foil placed on the walls and beneath the floor blocks moisture from outside.

Pro Tip: If you are shopping for a new shed, ask your storage shed representative if the product has these features. If you own a backyard shed without them, you can install them or keep a window slightly open. Most hardware stores carry the necessary vents and vapor barrier material.

Regulate the Humidity Levels

For ideal health and comfort, maintain a relative humidity level in your home between 30-50 percent, depending on the time of year. This level of humidity is also necessary to prevent mold and mildew—whether in the house or in the outdoor storage building. To keep an eye on the relative humidity levels and know when to take action, consider installing a hygrometer.

Run a dehumidifier: If your shed is wired, running a dehumidifier in your outdoor shed will keep the humidity at optimum levels, preventing mold and mildew. Remember to empty the dehumidifier's water tank twice daily or as needed.

Keep the air moving: Run a fan on low to keep the air moving in your outdoor storage building.

Use desiccants: A desiccant is a substance that draws moisture to itself. Other things to try are dishes of charcoal briquets or cat litter.

Practice Smart Packing Techniques

Before stashing anything in your shed, ensure it is completely moisture-free. Damp umbrellas or hammocks, bikes that have not been dried, and swimming or boating equipment are notorious for molding once put away wet, in the dark, and forgotten.

Pro Tip: Avoid stacking boxes of things along the exterior walls. Leave a gap of several inches to promote airflow. The more air circulation you have, the less moisture will hang around.

Build Your Shed with Ulrich Lifestyle Structures

Investing in a high-quality storage shed from Ulrich ensures that your valuable belongings are protected from mold and mildew. Our sheds are designed with optimal ventilation, durable materials, and expert craftsmanship to keep your items safe and secure. Contact us today to learn more about our storage solutions and start building your perfect shed.