Hi all, I could really use some advice and tips from this sub. Moved to Washington a few years ago and since moving here had used a temp regulated indoor storage company for our camping gear. Since moving into a new house about a year ago, we were so glad to be able to have an outdoor shed so we could easily access our camping gear… little did I know all the challenges that comes with storing these fabric items in a outdoor shed. I just was in there the other day and noticed some items have mildew and or mold. Lots of little crevices, netting, etc. seem to be the prime locations for it.
For what it’s worth, these photos attached are the worst of the items but I just feel absolutely in over my head on what to do with everything in there. I have some outdoor clothes, and gear that are in plastic bins (without desiccants, although soon to change). Those bins seem fine and I don’t see any mold or notice mildew on anything held in the bins nor a smell. I’m always very cautious about putting gear away dry but think the nature of temp swings and good ole pnw humidity has made the moisture in the shed bad enough to get mold and mildew growing. Unfortunately storing the items inside isn’t really an option due to a very limited amount of indoor space. Does this mean it’s back to the indoor storage unit companies?
Anyone here deal with this and have any advice or steps I can take. I can put some things in bins, packs, clothes, etc, but bigger things like camping chairs, tent, I don’t think any plastic bins that exist are large enough to fit these items so just feeling a bit stuck. A lot of these are brand new items my wife and I had saved up for and as of a few months ago purchased so as you can imagine not only am I feeling quite dumb for letting them seemingly go bad, but also pretty heartbroken over potentially losing hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of a couple months old gear.. thanks in advance to anyone with tips, encouragement or anything else.
by Tphx8
9 Comments
Condition the air
Mold is due to moisture. Because of your location I would highly recommend any fabric items get stored indoors. Especially your tent and backpack. The chair can be power washed. Spray down your backpack with stain remover and wash on a hot and heavy cycle with beach towels or jeans so it gets scrubbed. Air dry
Unless you’re able to uncover your shed so it’s in as much direct sun as possible and then wrap all your gear in sealed garbage bags, I would not recommend storing them in the shed going forward.
I live on the coast in pnw. Life here requires running a dehumidifier daily, everywhere enclosed, or you’ll get mold. Sealed containers will keep moisture in as well. The stuff you put in would need to be bone dry. Ideally seal up your storage *thing* and get a dehumidifier.
Use airtight bins with desiccant packs for anything that can fit to slow down mold growth.
Fabric stuff lives inside, things that don’t mold going the shed.
I lived in PDX and had the same issues. I wouldn’t store anything in bins, even with desiccants. The only safe option is climate controlled storage, either in your house or a storage unit. I managed to clean the mold off my gear with a product from Amazon called RMR-86, but be warned it is HARSH. Wear gloves, full clothing, and eye protection. I got minor chemical burns from the splash back of rinsing it off.
Store all fabrics indoors. I had to scrub mildew off of a tent and it was a very difficult job that took several rounds of scrubbing. Not worth risking the damage or hassle to store either in garage or shed.
I’m north of Seattle and keep my things in my garage with no issues whatsoever. Yes, the problem is moisture, but go one step farther and you may have your answer. What removes moisture best, ventilation, heat, or a humidifier? My bet would be on ventilation, as it’s the cheapest and easiest. Install solar powered vent fans in your shed, one high and one low, one in and out. Pretty sure that would remove your moisture issue if you do it right.
I’m in Western NC (also a temperate rain forest) and I resigned that my spare room is my gear room. Anything fabric that I put in the shed or basement is ruined.