Empty the box, clean it inside and out, deal with any mould spots using a mould and mildew cleaner, then leave it to dry completely with the lid off. A musty smell is a sign of damp, so getting the box, and everything that goes back in it, properly dry is what stops the smell returning.
Cleaning the box
- Empty it outside if you can, and check the contents as you go. Shelter lists a musty smell, “like soil or a blocked drain”, as one of the signs of damp.
- Look for mould, especially in corners, under the rim and inside the lid.
- Clean the hard surfaces. GOV.UK guidance says mould can be removed from hard surfaces with an appropriate cleaning product, and recommends mould and mildew products in preference to bleach, for health and safety reasons. If there’s mould, wear gloves, a mask and goggles, and keep a window open while you work and afterwards.
- Let it dry completely. The same guidance says cleaned surfaces should be left to dry completely. Leave the lid off and stand the box somewhere airy until it’s bone dry, inside and out.
What was inside it
Hard items such as ornaments, tools or toys can be cleaned the same way as the box and left to dry. Soft things are harder: GOV.UK notes that absorbent materials may have to be thrown away if they become mouldy, because it can be difficult or impossible to remove the mould completely. Wash fabrics that are only musty and dry them fully before they go back in.
Stopping it coming back
GOV.UK guidance notes that excessive moisture can promote the growth of mould, so:
- pack only things that are clean and completely dry;
- avoid wrapping things in plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mould;
- don’t pack a box straight after a wash or a rainy moving day; give everything time to dry first.
If you’re storing with us, it’s worth knowing that items that give off a smell or odour can’t go into a unit, for the sake of the belongings around them, so give boxes a quick sniff test before moving day. Our sites have pest control measures in place and are regularly inspected by professionals.
Need fresh boxes? Our Box Shop delivers to your door. For anything else about storing safely, call us on 0800 2545585, or get a price online.
Related questions
- Are plastic crates better than cardboard boxes for storage?
- Who is responsible for mould in a storage unit?
- Does contents protection cover damp and mould?
Further reading