It can be tough figuring out what to keep and what to clean when you’ve found moisture or mold issues in your home. You’re sorting through knickknacks and you’re finding items with sentimental value, maybe a photo of loved ones, maybe an old baby blanket.

When items in your home become damaged by mold or moisture, knowing what to keep and what to throw out can be an emotional journey in and of itself.

What to throw away after mold or water damage

Items with porous surfaces, items that were submerged in flood water or items that already display signs of mold will most likely need to be thrown away.

Things like cardboard, carpet, cushions, stuffed animals, and anything with upholstery are the most common items that will need to be tossed. Mattresses and box springs will usually have to go too.

Additionally, paper products like books and photos will need to be thrown away. This is difficult for a lot of people because the photos or books might be sentimental. However, there is an expensive but amazingly effective process that can be used to rescue your family bible or photo book.

As soon as you’re able to get to the item, stick it in the freezer and then give them to a preservation freeze-drying contractor.

Another item that will definitely need to be thrown away is any food that may have come into contact with flood water or mold. Food preparation appliances that have been exposed to floodwater will need to be replaced, like toasters, blenders, food processers, crockpots.

The cost of thoroughly cleaning items like these with so many nooks & crannies and fully sanitizing them will far outweigh the replacement cost. Not to mention, if these items aren’t properly cleaned, you can re-contaminate your kitchen or make your family members ill.

You can fairly easily and thoroughly clean hard, sleek surfaces with approved mold removal cleaning materials on your own – but it’s always best to call a professional to make sure it’s done correctly. And you should never move contaminated possessions on your own without using protective equipment like gloves, eye protection and masks.

Because there is such a risk factor when it comes to moving contaminated items or cleaning contaminated surfaces, we always recommend hiring the professionals to do this work for you! At Dynamic Remediation Solutions, we’re here to help your life get back on track after a moisture or mold problem. Contact us today for a free consultation!