Mold growth indoors can and should be prevented or controlled by managing indoor humidity. If there is mold in your home, you must clean it up and address the water issue. If you clean the mold but don't fix the water problem, the mold will likely return. In some cases, furniture that has been exposed to mold can be stored, depending on the amount of time and exposure.
If you try to clean furniture that is moldy and it won't move, you'll need to discard it. Follow our guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting your furniture based on the material type. The answer depends on several factors, but in some cases, you may be able to remove the mold without professional help. For example, if a person finds black mold inside a wall, they may be able to clean it up themselves.
If the mold infestation is recent and detected early, then yes, you may be able to safely clean and store non-porous items. It's best to hire a professional cleaning company that has experience cleaning homes exposed to mold for best results and peace of mind. Surface molds grow in humid places such as grout lines of ceramic tile showers. You can use the materials in your household items and the damage caused by mold to determine what stays and what goes.
Except in the bathroom and behind wallpaper, it's unlikely that you'll find black mold on surfaces anywhere else. If someone has been living in an apartment full of mold for many years, they may have the courage to move out. If the exposure to mold is only at the surface level, you can try cleaning dishes by spraying them with hydrogen peroxide to remove the mold. Follow the recommendations provided by your mold remediation technician on cleaning or handling items exposed to mold.
Dust sampling is much better as it provides a more “historical” view of the mold landscape and allows for a more accurate assessment of severity. The best way to prevent indoor mold growth is to stop leaks, ensure good ventilation in attics, keep mezzanines dry, and keep water away from foundations. Dealing with mold can be stressful and cause anxiety, so it's important to take care of yourself during this process.
