What to Do if Your Shipping Container Is Mouldy

One of the most significant problems that you can face when it comes to storing things in a shipping container is the formation and spread of mould. However, there are also multiple ways that mould can find its way into your storage unit.

In fact, any time there is excessive dampness lingering inside your shipping container, it can lead to a mould problem forming on various items such as fabrics and textiles, wood, paper and cardboard, for example.

Unfortunately, as mould grows and spreads, it can often ruin the things it comes in contact with. The longer it grows on items, the more it can damage them, so it is important to always keep an eye out for mould to stop it before it gets out of control.

There are a few main ways that water or dampness typically gets into shipping container storage units, thus leading to potential mould growth.

For instance, the water may have been carried into the container on items brought into it, or untreated condensation could have formed within the cargo space. There may even be a leak or defect in the shipping container’s roof that allows water to get in when it rains.

How to Properly Deal With Mould Formation in a Shipping Container

Fortunately, there are a number of measures to treat any mould you come across in your shipping container, while also preventing further growth from occurring in the future. The following are some of the best strategies for dealing with shipping container mould:

Identify the Problem

If you find mould growing in your shipping container, it is important to learn the cause as quickly as possible to appropriately treat the issue and prevent further growth.

If you merely clean up the mould, but fail to treat the issue at its source, it will likely continue to grow, and your efforts will have been wasted. Track down the source of the moisture by thoroughly inspecting the shipping container from top to bottom. However, make sure to wear a mask during this process, as breathing in mould spores can be harmful and may trigger allergic reactions.

Come Equipped for the Job

It is important to ensure that you wear proper protective gear as you remove the mould, including rubber gloves, goggles, and work clothes that you can dispose of after completing everything.

Regarding the cleaning materials, make sure that you bring rags, a scrub brush, a pail, bleach, non-ammonia soap or detergent, and an electric fan with you to your shipping container, as all of these things will be necessary to perform a proper mould clean-up.

Get Rid of the Mould

There are a few essential steps to take when you are ready to actually get rid of the mould to ensure your efforts are effective. First, dampen the area affected by the mould with a wet rag so that spores are not dispersed into the air while you clean.

Then, using the brush and soap/detergent, try to remove as much of the mould as you can from the surfaces where it has grown. After the visible spots of mould have dissipated, pour a cup and a half of bleach into a gallon of water and wet the affected area with this mixture.

After letting the bleach sit for about 15 minutes, scrub the spots again, and then rinse them with clean water. This bleaching process should be continued until there are no longer any visible traces of mould. After you are done, turn on the fan and use it to dry the area.

Call a Specialist

It is only advisable to clean up the mould in your shipping container on your own if the affected area is under 10 square feet.

However, if your entire storage unit seems to be full of mould, it would be much wiser to call a specialist to ensure this infestation is adequately handled. A mould-remediation expert will have the skills, experience, and necessary equipment to help you eliminate a serious mould problem.

Prevent a Recurrence

Once you have cleaned up the mould in your shipping container, it is essential to take steps to prevent it from recurring.

There are a number of effective methods for this purpose, such as spreading desiccants throughout the inside of the shipping container. These will help you maintain a dry environment by absorbing any moisture in the air and reducing condensation. Even occasionally, keeping the container door open for a while will allow it to air out and help prevent the generation of mould.

If it is possible to modify the shipping container, you may also consider insulating it. This will help maintain its internal temperature so that the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the container is not significant and condensation does not form.

Installing ventilation is another improvement that will help maintain a stable, low-humidity level in the container. As an extra measure, installing a dehumidifier could make a difference, but this will require a constant power source and you will have to regularly empty the dehumidifier.

How Sigma Container Corporation Can Help You Find a Mould-Free Shipping Container

If you are looking for a shipping container to rent and want to ensure that you get a clean unit in great condition, Sigma Container Corporation can provide exactly that.

With one of Ontario’s fastest-growing fleets of containers to rent, we are equipped to rent you as many units as you need for as long as you need them, at a fair and affordable price. We have a large variety of shipping container sizes and types available for commercial or residential use.

All of our shipping containers come equipped with secure padlock boxes for added protection, as well as weatherproof vents that help prevent the build-up of condensation and the consequent development of mould.

Our containers to rent are all made of Corten steel and are strong and durable, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your belongings will always be protected from the elements. When you rent a shipping container from us, we will deliver it directly to you with our tilt-and-load trucks so that you can start using it right away.

For more information about how you can rent a container from us or to learn more about the rental costs of the shipping containers we carry, call Sigma Container Corporation at 855-340-3342 or contact us here.