Saving Your Belongings From Mold

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Furniture with mold

Saving Your Belongings From Mold

A flood in your home can be traumatic, especially as you and your family sort through what’s left and get on with your life. Mold cleaning is just one of the issues you may face in the aftermath of water damage in Harrisonville, MO. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to saving your belongings.

Toss It or Treat It?

When things get wet, they can get moldy. Most people’s first impulse is to throw everything away, but that is not always necessary. Mold remediation may work with some items, such as the following:

• Upholstered items – couches, chairs, ottomans
  
• Fabrics – draperies, clothing, bedding
  
• Surfaces – walls, woodwork, bookcases, tables, counters, cupboards
  
• Sentimental items – books, photographs, paintings, figurines
  
• Electronics – televisions, audio equipment, computers
  
  

What Will the Cleaning Process Involve?

Mold cleaning for hard surfaces usually involves spraying with a disinfectant, wiping the item and leaving it in the sun, if possible. Upholstered furniture is often cleaned with a foaming cleaner that is vacuumed off, depending upon the severity of the mold damage. Items that can be wet or dry cleaned include curtains, clothes, blankets, sheets and pillows.

Cleaning of electronics can be tricky, but the most important thing is to get them out of the damp environment as soon as possible, and to refrain from turning them on. The company you hire can advise you on whether or not the items can be cleaned or should be replaced.

Can It Be Saved?

The most difficult decision in these situations is what to do about keepsakes and items of sentimental value. Mold damage on books and paper items can be very serious, although there are companies that do photo restoration. Paintings can be cleaned if not damaged too badly, and statues and keepsakes with hard surfaces such as vases, dishes or trophies usually clean up well.

Seeing your life in a moldy pile can be heartbreaking. Fortunately, mold remediation specialists can help you make wise decisions about mold cleaning.