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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

What To Do with Belongings After Mold Removal

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Black mold in the corner of the wall of the room. Preparation for mold removal. For homeowners, mold may be a major issue, especially when it develops within the house.

Mold is a serious problem for homeowners, especially when it grows inside of your home. But mold can also be difficult to remove from items like carpeting, upholstery and wood surfaces if left untreated for too long. If you have been exposed to mold in your home or business premises, you should clean and dispose of any items that may have been affected by the fungus growth as soon as possible after removing them from the area.

After removing the mold, should I clean or throw away my belongings?

If the mold has been removed from your belongings, there's no need to throw them away. If you can clean the items, do so. Cut up or remove any visible moldy parts of the item and then wash it thoroughly in hot water with detergent (to remove remaining spores) or a disinfectant product specifically designed for cleaning mold-contaminated items.

If an item cannot be cleaned (for example, if it is covered by carpeting), you should dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag containing dry ice or other desiccant to prevent further growth of mold inside the bagged area before placing it in an outdoor trash barrel or dumpster.

Why Should Items Be Disposed of After Mold Removal?

There are several reasons why it is imperative to dispose of the items after mold removal.

  • Mold can be present in many places in your home, so you must keep an eye out for any signs of mold. If you see black or white spots on walls or ceilings, then you may have a mildew problem and should call a professional immediately.
  • Mold spores are microscopic, and they float through the air waiting for something to land on - like your carpeting or furniture - so that they can grow into colonies.

How to Clean Items that Have Been Molded

After mold removal, it's best to clean items that have been moldy with a HEPA vacuum. You can use a stiff brush to remove any visible mold and then wash the item with hot water and detergent, then dry it in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes or more.

If the item doesn't come out completely clean after this process, wipe down all surfaces with a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar:10 parts water) and let sit overnight before rinsing again. Finally, dry items completely before returning them to their original location.

How to Clean Up Following Mold Removal

Once the mold has been removed, it’s important to thoroughly clean your home. This will not only help remove any remaining spores and prevent them from spreading, but it also makes living in a mold-free environment more comfortable for you and your family.

  • Remove all contaminated items from your home by washing them with soap and water or throwing them out. This includes bedding, clothes, shoes, toys, and other fabrics that were exposed to the mold. 
  • Clean all surfaces with soap and water. Use a disinfectant spray on hard surfaces such as countertops and floors before wiping down with paper towels or rags soaked in warm water mixed with dish detergent.

Mold removal can be a long and difficult process, but it’s important to take care of your belongings afterwards if you want to keep them. So, make sure you know what needs to be done before calling a mold removal company!

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