What to Toss After Mold Exposure

Some items are better thrown away to avoid health risks and future contamination:

• Porous Materials
• Carpet, cardboard, upholstery, and stuffed animals.

• Mold can deeply penetrate these, making it nearly impossible to clean thoroughly.

• Paper-Based Items

• Documents, books, photo albums.

• Mold can spread easily through paper fibers.

• Food and Food-Prep Items

• Any food or items that come in contact with food (e.g., cutting boards).

• Submerged Items

• Belongings soaked in water, as they are at higher risk for deep mold absorption.

• Beds and Bedding

• Should be discarded or thoroughly inspected and cleaned.

What You Can Save

Items that can be cleaned and safely reused:

• Non-Porous Items

• Plastic, metal, ceramic, or glass.

• Fabric Items

• If cleaned thoroughly with detergent and disinfectant.

• Electronics

• Can often be salvaged, but inspect appliance coils as they may harbor mold.

• Leather Furniture and Clothing

• Clean immediately with water and isopropyl alcohol, then dry thoroughly.

Why Toss Moldy Items?

• Health Risks: Mold releases toxins that can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.
• Hidden Mold: Porous and submerged items may harbor mold you can’t see, risking recontamination.
• Cost of Salvaging vs. Replacing: Replacing small items (like clothes or food) is often cheaper and safer.

How to Clean Mold-Exposed Items

• Clothing and Fabrics
• Pretreat with non-ammonia detergent.

• Wash at the highest temperature allowed with detergent and bleach.

• Furniture

• For hard surfaces (wood, laminate, bamboo, etc.), wipe with a damp cloth and non-phosphate detergent.

• Disinfect with a bleach solution if needed.

• Leather

• Brush off spores with a clean cloth or soft brush.

• Clean with water and detergent or isopropyl alcohol, then condition after drying.

• Dishes

• Toss if mold is in grooves or cracks.
• For surface-level mold, clean with hydrogen peroxide or bleach and rinse thoroughly.

After Mold Remediation

• Follow the recommendations of your mold remediation technician.
• Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for remaining household cleaning.
• Regularly inspect previously exposed areas for lingering spores.

FAQs About Moldy Items

• Should you throw away moldy clothes?

• Not necessarily. Clean quickly and thoroughly, as mold becomes harder to remove over time.

• Can moldy furniture be saved?

• Yes, depending on material and mold exposure. Follow cleaning guidelines, but discard if mold persists.

• Is it safe to live in a house after mold remediation?

• Generally, yes. Most professionals recommend waiting 24 hours before returning.

• Should I throw away moldy dishes?

• Toss dishes with mold in cracks or grooves. Clean surface-level mold with hydrogen peroxide or bleach.

Summing it up

When dealing with mold-damaged items, prioritize health and safety. Toss items that pose a risk, and clean salvageable ones properly. When in doubt, consult a professional.

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