IN SHORT
- The goal is to return contents to normal (Condition 1).
- Non-porous items can usually be cleaned.
- Porous items with visible growth are usually discarded.
- Semi-porous items are decided case by case.
Sorting through belongings after mould can feel overwhelming. The industry standard groups contents by material, because that decides whether mould sits on the surface or grows into the item.
Non-porous: usually restorable
Hard surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, ceramics and finished timber don't absorb water, so mould stays on the surface. These items can usually be cleaned with physical removal methods such as detergent washing, damp wiping or HEPA vacuuming.
Porous: usually a disposal decision
Clothing, soft upholstery, mattresses, carpet underlay, insulation, paper and books absorb moisture, and mould can grow deep into them. Where these items have visible growth (Condition 3), they usually can't be restored, and disposal is generally recommended, especially for upholstered items that were used while contaminated.
Irreplaceable keepsakes are the exception. Specialists can sometimes attempt preservation, although it may not fully return an item to normal.
Semi-porous: case by case
Unfinished timber and masonry absorb moisture slowly. Visible growth on them often can't be fully restored because of staining or decay. Where cleaning is attempted, it can take more aggressive methods such as wire brushing or HEPA-assisted sanding.
WHERE DRYSAFE FITS
DrySafe Care includes furniture protection in the work area, and your written works report records every treated surface with before-and-after photos.