When mold contaminates porous materials, it doesn’t just sit on the surface—it grows deep inside. Holding onto mold-infested belongings can prolong exposure, spread contamination, and compromise indoor air quality.

Why This Matters

Porous materials like carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, drywall, clothing, and paper products can absorb and trap mold spores, moisture, and microbial toxins. Even if the surface appears clean, mold can:

• Continue growing inside the material, releasing spores into the air.

• Trigger allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms, even if it’s no longer actively growing.

• Spread to other areas when mold spores settle on clean surfaces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t assume cleaning will “fix” moldy porous items. Once mold has penetrated deep inside, it can’t always be removed completely.

• Avoid storing contaminated items in plastic bins or bags—this traps moisture and encourages further mold growth.

• Don’t keep sentimental moldy items indoors, hoping they’ll be safe in a closet or garage—they can continue spreading contamination.

What To Do Instead

• Remove and properly dispose of mold-contaminated porous materials. Wrap them in plastic bags before carrying them through the house to prevent cross-contamination.

• For items with minor mold growth, HEPA vacuuming followed by deep cleaning with a mold-safe product may help, but this should be done cautiously.

• For sentimental items, consult a professional—some materials can be restored using specialized mold remediation techniques.

• For non-porous items (like plastic, metal, or glass), cleaning may be possible—as long as they’re thoroughly disinfected and dried.

Holding onto moldy items keeps the problem (and exposure) in your home. If in doubt, throw it out.