Wood is porous and organic, which makes it an easy target for mold once it's sitting in a damp storage unit, garage, or basement for an extended period. A little prep before storage goes a long way.
Before You Store It
- Clean and completely dry every piece before storage — even slightly damp wood can develop mold within days in an enclosed space.
- Apply a coat of furniture wax or sealant to finished wood surfaces as an added moisture barrier.
- Avoid wrapping furniture tightly in plastic, which traps any residual moisture against the wood instead of letting it breathe.
Choosing the Right Storage Environment
- Climate-controlled storage units are worth the extra cost for wood furniture, especially in humid climates.
- Keep furniture elevated off concrete floors, which can wick up ground moisture even indoors.
- Leave a few inches of space between pieces and away from walls to allow airflow.
- Use moisture absorbers (like silica gel packs or a small dehumidifier) in enclosed storage spaces.
Checking on Stored Pieces
Don't just store furniture and forget about it for a year. Periodically checking stored pieces — especially after a rainy season — lets you catch early moisture problems before they turn into a full mold issue that can permanently damage the wood and require professional mold removal.