Cleaning clothing, furniture, papers and valuables

In plain English

Contents in Condition 2 or 3 are cleaned outdoors at a safe distance from people and air intakes, or in a multi-stage cleaning chamber. Most processes start and end with HEPA vacuuming; R520 recommends at least three passes in a cross pattern. Air washing blows spores off semi-porous and non-porous items but releases a great deal into the air, so it belongs only in a controlled chamber or outdoors. Wet methods include immersion, ultrasonic cleaning, damp wiping and steam. High-pressure washing and abrasive blasting are limited to settings where airborne spread is controlled.

Textiles usually respond to laundering or dry cleaning per the care label. R520 notes that research found Aspergillus spores held more tightly in cotton than in synthetics, and repeat washes may be needed for odor. Upholstery and rugs that were not used while moldy can often be cleaned by extraction under the IICRC S300 standard. Pillows, mattresses and leather that were used while contaminated usually cannot be saved. Unfinished wood may need sanding or blasting, which can change its look.

Books and documents are HEPA vacuumed and brushed on a downdraft table. Irreplaceable ones that cannot be cleaned may be encapsulated or laminated. Fine art should go to specialists. R520 stresses that a remaining stain does not mean an item is still contaminated, and that cosmetic work comes after the item reaches Condition 1.

Key points

• Start and end with HEPA vacuuming.
• Air washing and blasting only outdoors or in a controlled chamber.
• Launder or dry-clean textiles per label; repeat for odor.
• Mattresses, pillows and leather used while moldy are usually discarded.
• A stain alone does not mean an item is still contaminated.

Official text

This topic is covered in our own words because the standard behind it is copyrighted; we cite it below rather than reproduce it.

Citations

• IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 13, pp. 139–148. Best practice

Related topics