The Steps to Recover Mold Damaged Belongings

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO responded immediately to this home in Forest Hills, NY and began clean up.

Mold Cleaning Methods

When mold takes hold, it moves rapidly through the home, especially when it begins in an out-of-the-way place where you can't see it. For many homeowners, the damage goes beyond the walls and flooring; personal belongings, such as family pictures, baby blankets, and cherished mementos, can't be replaced. Fortunately, there are many mold cleaning methods that could save many of your possessions.

Step One: Identify What You Can Save

The first step is identifying what can be saved. How can you tell if you have to throw something away?

• Is it porous? You'll probably have to throw it out. This includes books, carpets, stuffed animals, and pictures.
  
• Did the item get waterlogged? Damages increase as more water affects belongings and the longer the water is allowed to remain on (and in) the items, the worse that damage becomes.
  
• Can you afford specialized treatments? Freeze-drying is an effective mold remediation tool, but this preservation technique requires a financial investment.

The Next Step: Separate Belongings From Water

Whether photographs and memory books are stored in damp basements and attics or were affected by high humidity because of flooding, they can be preserved. As soon as you notice the mold damage, move photographs to a cool, dry space. Oil paintings and expensive rugs may also have a chance for complete repair. Move your belongings into the bright sunlight if it's available. Keep them dry and protected from other natural elements. Your favorite novels should be thrown out and replaced, but a cherished family Bible should be handled as little as possible. Remove as much water as possible from the area and use only minimal handling to move the Bible to a dry spot while it waits for mold cleaning.

The Final Result: Professional Help

Once you've taken the first steps for protecting your belongings, contact mold cleaning and repair technicians in Forest Hills, NY, as soon as possible. The services of these pros are more likely to prove successful the sooner they get started.