Only items that are classified as "Non-Porous"
can be washed in an approved neutralizing solution and saved.  
 

SAFE!!! CLEAN WITH NEUTRALIZING AGENT & KEEP

*IMPORTANT READ FIRST:  These items are ONLY safe if they are brought outside and "FULLY SUBMERGED" in proper neutralizing agents (See the list of neutralizing agents below).   DO NOT re-rinse items and must be completely dry before being transferred to the new location. (any small amount of moisture WILL cause new toxic black mold).  You cannot re-expose these items again back into the moldy environment or they are considered contaminated again. NEUTRALIZING AGENT OPTIONS 2 cups of 5% or less concentration, Household "clear" Ammonia per every 10 gallons of water (using large containers outside) for all items that can be submerged. Spray bottles filled with 50% Household "clear" Ammonia/50% distilled water.  ONLY for items that "cannot" be submerged such as: phones, ipads, electronics, tvs, lamps, saveable small appliances. "Do not spray all of your non porous possessions with ammonia solution..its risky.  This process is only reserved for a few items that absolutely cannot be submerged under ammonia/water. or.. Ec3 (follow the mixing instructions on the product) or..Citrisafe (follow the mixing instructions on the product)

.Metal or Glass furniture

Any kind of furniture that is made of glass or metal should be washed thoroughly in the ammonia solution, rinsed, dried until moved to the new clean space.  This includes tables, funton frames, chairs, shelving, stools, carts etc.

Dishes

All dishes including glass, glazed clay, china, or porcelain are safe to wash in an approved neutralizing solution, rinsed until moved to the new clean space. 

 

Serving Dishes/bowls
All serving dishes like bowls, pots, gravy servers, carafes, casserole dishes including glass, glazed clay, china or porcelain are safe to wash in the ammonia solution, rinsed until moved to the new clean space. 

 

Glassware
All items made of glass including jars, glasses, boxes, figurines, ash trays, dishes, bowls etc. are safe to wash in the ammonia solution, rinsed and immediately moved to the new clean space. 



Silverware
All metal silverware including everyday stainless and/or fancier silverwear for entertaining is safe to was in the ammonia solution, rinsed and immediately moved to the new clean space.

Pots & Pans
Most all pots and pans including lids can be safely washed in the ammonia solution, rinsed and immediately moved to the new clean environment.

Cast Iron
Cast iron is the same as metals and pots and pans.  Cast ironware/pans/bowls/utensils including lids can be safely washed in the ammonia solution, rinsed (100% dried with a towel and immediately coated with olive oil to prevent rusting and immediately moved to the new clean environment.)  Make sure not to forget to season your pans propertly with oil and heat.


Bakeware
All bakeware, including silicon and glazed stoneware can be safely washed in an approved neutralizing solution, rinsed and immediately moved to the new clean environment.

Anything made of glass
All items made of glass including jars, glasses, boxes, figurines, ash trays, dishes, bowls etc. are safe to wash in the ammonia solution, rinsed and immediately moved to the new clean space. 

Anything made of rock, clay, stone or concrete.  This also includes anything made from these elements like pottery, baking stones, furniture and home decor made from ONLY these elements.
Rock, clay, stone and concrete DO NOT naturally grow mold "inside" of them.  If there is any visual mold on anything rock, clay, stone or concrete you can submerse it in a large container of ammonia and water and use a wire brush to remove any "surface" mold because the mold is most likely growing on something organic that is sticking to the rock, clay, stone or concrete and not penetrating the surface itself. 

Lamps
Only metal, ceramic, rock, glass-based lamps can be submerged in ammonia and saved.  Do not save lamp bases made out of raw wood, particle board, foam, natural porous materials like driftwood, cotton, wool etc.  All lamp shades can be safe if they are submerged in ammonia and fully dried out in the sun.

 

Himalayan Salt Lamps
Salt lamps "do not" become contaminated because they are made of either quartz or himalayan salt. However, they need to be neutralized and cleaned before being moved to your new home.  Also, there are fake salt lamps that are not real salt. You'll want to make sure you know 100% that your lamps are real. They can be washed and transported to a new clean environment using a neuralizing agent.  

Metal or glass or plastic framed mirrors
Only mirrors with metal, glass, porcelain, rock, shell or plastic frames can be washed in ammonia and saved.  The only mirrors you should not keep are the ones that are framed in wood, raw wood, cork, fabric, foam, rope ect. 

Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets
Most all Kitchen Utensils and gadgets can be saved by rinsing in ammonia unless they are made of raw wood.  Wooden spoons, rolling pins ect are examples of things you cannot keep. 


Stoves

Stoves should be fully wiped down with ammonia AFTER they have been removed from the water damaged home.  Before disconnecting it is a good idea to turn the stove on it's highest heat setting and letting it cook for a good 30-40 minutes before disconnecting and moving it outside to be cleaned with a safe "neutralizing agent" on the outside.  

 

Brass Instruments & Flutes
All brass instruments can be saved by rinsing safely in ammonia, dried out and taken to the new clean environment.  Flutes and metal oboes can also be cleaned but NOT wooden oboes or wooden clarinets..those need to be gotten rid of unfortunately. wood is porous and wood is what toxic mold spores use as food. 


Jewelry
All kinds except wood, paper can be rinsed safely in ammonia, dried and taken to the new clean environment. All gemstones, synthetic stones, hard plastic, glass or rock can easily be washed in ammonia and saved.  The only warning is regarding watches.  It might be best to use a microfiber cloth, spray the cloth with PURE ammonia and wipe down watches to avoid submerging them and ruining the watches with moisture. 

Glasses
Glasses and Sun Glasses can easily be saved from a toxic mold enviroment by rinsing them or submerging them in a solution of water and ammonia.  Rinse them and dry them thoroughly before taking them to your new clean environment. 

Contact Lenses
Contact lenses can easily be saved from a toxic mold environment but you want to avoid any of the "Caustic substances" like ammonia or essential oils.  To neutralize them and protect your eyes from any future mycotoxin contamination, simply use "PUREBIOTICS" (which is a patented positive strain of bacteria similar to a probiotic.  Purebiotics sprays and concentrates are sold on our website HERE


Cell Phones
Cell phones can be taken apart and use a microfiber cloth, spray the cloth with PURE ammonia and wipe down phones to avoid ruining the phones with moisture.  Make sure you take the phone apart and wipe down the inside as well and fully dry before re-assembling them.

Laptops
Most laptops can be saved by spraying a microfiber cloth with ammonia and wiping them down...however, **SOME PEOPLE cannot tolerate their laptops after an exposure.  Sometimes the fans pull in mold spores or mycotoxin and they are not saveable.  Please approach these with caution and see if you react to them.  If not, you are ok.

 
 
Flat Screen TV's.
Flat Screen TV's can be decontaminated by using a microfiber cloth, spray the cloth with PURE ammonia and wipe down the entire TV to avoid ruining the TV screen with moisture.  

Electronics & equipment
cords etc.can be decontaminated by using a microfiber cloth, spray the cloth with PURE ammonia and wipe down.  Electrical cords can be safely submerged (UNPLUGGED OF COURSE) in ammonia and set outside in the sun to dry. 

Video Games and Consoles
Can be decontaminated by using a microfiber cloth, spray the cloth with PURE ammonia and wipe down.  Game CD's can be submerged in ammonia. 

DVD's, CD's and Covers
Covers can be decontaminated by using a microfiber cloth, spray the cloth with PURE ammonia and wipe down.  CD's and can be submerged in ammonia.  

 

Treadmills
These items are somewhat risky but could be saved if done correctly. If done wrong..they can become a source of future exposure or cross contamination. We would recommend calling the manufacturer and figuring out how to replace the walking belt. This is one item on the device that would be contaminated for sure or porous. Remove the belt, wipe down the entire machine even underneath especially in all cracks and crevices with full strength tea tree oil. Replace the belt and bring to the new home...but this CANNOT be done anywhere near the moldy home. and must NOT be done in the new home either. Must be done outside or in another location first.

Exercise machines
These items are somewhat risky but could be saved if done correctly. If done wrong..they can become a source of future exposure or cross contamination. You'll need to take apart plastic pieces at the bottom of your machine and wash them in ammonia.  Next, wipe down the entire machine even underneath especially in all cracks and crevices with full strength tea tree oil. Once it is all clean, bring to the new home...but this CANNOT be done anywhere near the moldy home. and must NOT be done in the new home either. Must be done outside or in another location first.

Weights and barbells
Hand hels weigts and barbells can be saved by washing them in ammonia, drying completely and brought to the new environment. 


Machine Wash Clothing
Most clothing meet the "less than a 1/2 inch toxicology rule" however, sometimes people still react to their clothing after cleaning.  Try washing your clothing in 3 loads.  First load, ammonia only, two cups per load.  Then a second load of just one cup borax, then a 3rd and final load of only Epsom Salts.  This protocol seems to get rid of mold spores, neutralize mycotoxin and kill off any of the "water damaged" air-borne bacterias that get into fabrics when you have a moldy environment.  Please see our full article on prevention using ammonia HERE. If washing your clothing in 3 loads does not work and you are still either acutely reacting (itchy eyes, watery eyes, shortness of breath, dizziness, off balance, wheezing, rashes, redness on skin then you must throw out your clothing and start over.)  In our experience over 95% of people have success using the "3-load method" but there are a small 5% that it just does not work for them because they are physically more hyper sensitive and need to completely start their life over in order to stop reacting. 

Items that fall under this category are:

Shirts, Tops & Blouses
Under garments
Pants, skirts, jeans, washable dresses.
washable Hats, bandanas, head coverings
Washable scarves or shawls (Excluding yarn)
Washable luggage, totes, gym bags, diaper bags, backpacks.
 

Curtains
All "washable" curtains, draperies or valances can be washed in ammonia, dried out in the sun and saved.  Curtains or draperies that are dry clean only CANNOT be dry cleaned and saved.  Dry cleaning DOES NOT kill mold spores or neutralize mycotoxin.  
 

Curtain Rods
All curtain rods can be washed in ammonia and saved.  If your curtain rods are made of fabric or rope they cannot be cleaned and saved propertly and must be discarded. 

 

Towels
Towels meet the "less than a 1/2 inch toxicology rule" however, sometimes people still react to towels after cleaning.  Try washing towels in 3 loads.  First load, ammonia only, two cups per load.  Then a second load of just one cup borax, then a 3rd and final load of only Epsom Salts.  This protocol seems to get rid of mold spores, neutralize mycotoxin and kill off any of the "water damaged" air-borne bacterias that get into fabrics when you have a moldy environment.  Please see our full article on prevention using ammonia HERE. If washing your towels in 3 loads does not work and you are still either acutely reacting (itchy eyes, watery eyes, shortness of breath, dizziness, off balance, wheezing, rashes, redness on skin then you must throw out the towels and buy new ones.)  In our experience over 95% of people have success using the "3-load method" but there are a small 5% that it just does not work for them because they are physically more hyper sensitive and need to completely start their life over in order to stop reacting. 

Ironing Boards

(Frame and Cover must be washed separate. Mold can hide between cover and frame if brought to new home)

BABY ITEMS

CoSleepers (metal or plastic) [cosleepers made of wooden wicker areNOT salvageable and must be thrown away for the safety safety of your child]. 

Every part of the cosleeper can be taken apart and washed in a neutralizing agent. The foam cushion on the bottom MUST BE THROWN OUT.  It cannot be saved. Contact the manufacturer of your particular model and reorder a replacement. Or, if you are a DIYer you can buy new supplies at your local craft store and make your own replacement. 

 

Baby Strollers & Car Seats
Simply take apart all of the parts you can. Wash the material parts in a washing machine with ammonia.  Wash the structure of it in a bathtub filled with water and 3-4 cups of ammonia. Turn on exhaust fans and/or open windows in the bathroom to release ammonia vapors.  If you have a stroller that has VISIBLE MOLD on it...it then becomes an item you CANNOT SAVE.  DO NOT keep baby strollers that have visible mold growth on them as they are a threat to your childs health. 


Irons - you can submerge irons in a bucket with 50/50 ammonia and water just make sure it is NOT PLUGGED IN!!! when you do it.  Let it sit outside in the sun for 3-4 hours and it will dry out...then you can take it to the new clean home. 

Curling Irons
Most curling irons can be submerged in ammonia, rinsed, dried and saved.  Do not save curling irons that have fans or provide heated air flow.  Those need to be discarded. 

Hair Clippers
All brands and types of hair clippers can be saved by submerging them in ammonia, rinsing them off and drying them well.  Just make sure you dry them right away or else the blades will start to rust and not work correctly. 

 

Essential Oil Bottles

Essential oil bottles can be easily rinsed in the ammonia solution, rinsed and taken to the new clean location.  EO bottles are non-porous and the contents of most EO's are actually antifungal in the first place.

Essential Oil Diffusers

(80% of all essential oils have a high antifungal property to them which means that the inside of these machines are usually mold/mycotoxin free.  Just wipe outside with ammonia solution and save

Air Purifiers

**BE CAREFUL!! Air purifiers can ONLY BE SAVED if: all of the filters are removed and thrown away and then the remaining unit is completely neutralized with either: Ammonia, Citrisafe, Ec3, Benefect or BioEsque.  Once the machine is thoroughly neutralized and DRY, you can then replace the filters with ALL NEW FILTERS.

 Most small "solid" office supplies

(not paper, stationary or sticky notes) Things like staplers, pens, pencils, tape dispensers, organizers, scissors, rulers, blades, clips and tacks can be cleaned in ammonia and saved. 

Solid plastic IDs, Solid plastic Credit cards or Debit Cards, Solid plastic key entry cards.  These can be washed in a sink, bowl or bucket with any approved neutralizing agent and then dried using only a microfiber cloth. (Avoid drying items with paper towels or cotton rags or towels as this leaves behind organic matter that mold spores feed on. )

Outdoor Furniture.

Scrub with ammonia, rinse and dry in the sun.

Bikes
Any kind of manual bikes can be taken outside, washed with ammonia, rinse and dry out in the hot sun.  Do not bring it back into the garage or home.

Tools

All tools can be taken outside, washed with ammonia, rinsed and dried out in the hot sun.  Do not bring them back into your garage, tool shed or home once they are cleaned.

 

ALL Lawn Equipment

Lawn mowers, snow blowers, [ressure washers, chainsaws, (air compressors, drills, cutting saws, sanders)  (DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE PLUG IN ITEMS...only wash the outside), weed whackers, lawn spreaders, shovels, rakes, clippers, pruners and anything else I didn't mention can easily be taken outside, washed with ammonia, rinsed and dried out in the hot sun.  Do not bring them back into your garage, tool shed or home once they are cleaned unless you are bringing them to a new "clean" location or you have completely sanitized, remediated and neutralized your space.

    Golf Clubs & Gold Balls

   Gold clubs and golf balls can be submersed in water and ammonia, rinsed and saved from a toxic mold environment.  Make sure they are fully dried and do not bring them back into your garage or home once they are cleaned unless you are bringing them to a new "clean" location or you have completely sanitized, remediated and neutralized your space.

Legos
Lego blocks can be submersed in water and ammonia, rinsed and saved from a toxic mold environment.  Some plastics may or may not be an issue with saving.  If you are unsure about saving any plastic item please read my article on "Plastics" 

Wedding Dresses

Ladies....the touchy subject of keeping or not being able to keep a wedding dress can be very emotional.  In order to keep it you'll have to soak it in ammonia.  (This will probably ruin the actual dress itself but Here are some ways to keep the memory of your wedding dress alive.
CHECK OUT THESE LINKS

• 31 Ways to Re-Purpose Your Wedding Gown

HAZARDOUS!!! DO NOT CLEAN KEEP SELL

*IMPORTANT READ FIRST These items CANNOT be cleaned and CANNOT be sold to others.  You need to throw them out in tied or sealed plastic bags or put them on the street and visibly mark them "DANGEROUS OR TOXIC DO NOT TAKE".  Please do not allow others to reuse or repurpose these items because they are fully contaminated with both mold spores and mycotoxin and can make make others after you, very sick.

All carpeting in the home ALL carpeting in the moldy home must be removed and discarded.  It cannot be cleaned, even by a professional.  Mold spores grow downward and any home that tests positive for toxic strains of mold peticularly Aspergillus, Penicillium, Chaetomium, Stachybotrys or Wallemia MUST BE DISCARDED.  It is wise NOT to replace rooms with more new carpeting but to replace with mold resistant and non toxic flooring options like the ones HERE

Area rugs All area rugs that CANNOT BE WASHED or are too large to fit into a washer.  These cannot be saved and they are high on the list for cross contaminating a clean environment.  Mold spores grow downward and any home that tests positive for toxic strains of mold peticularly Aspergillus, Penicillium, Chaetomium, Stachybotrys or Wallemia are rugs (no matter how expensive) MUST BE DISCARDED.  It is wise NOT to replace rooms with more new (non washable) rugs but to replace with mold resistant and smaller rugs that are able to be machine washed and dried. 

Particle Board Furniture 

ALL partical board furniture MUST be thrown out.  It is made of paper.  This includes tv cabinets, tables, shelves, storage cubes and units, beds, office furniture, kids furniture, desks, boxes, dressers and drawers etc. Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  Do not store paper in garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate.

Mattresses All types of mattresses are extremely toxic after being in a toxic mold home.  Spores burrow themselves into the thick porous materials and begin to take root.  They release mycotoxin "inside" the mattress as well.  I know these can be expensive but your health is more important.  These include coil and memory foams as well.  Mattresses go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item.
Pillows  All kinds of pillows are hazardous for the same reason that mattresses are toxic.  This would include bed pillows, decorative pillows and pet bedding or pillows.  Pillows go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item.

Padded Headboards and/or Padded Bed Frames
Padded headboards and frames go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item.
Couches 
Couches are completely porous and mold spores grow downward into the cushions. Couches go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item.  In fact, keeping a couch and transferring it can actually cross contaminate and entire new home.  When throwing out couches make sure that you slice the couch all over with a box cutter or knife as well as paint on the couch "TOXIC" so that no one else makes the mistake of thinking it is a give away and contaminates their home with deadly mold spores. 

Loveseats/Padded chairs 

Loveseats and padded chairs go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item.  Throw these away and rip them with a knife and label them with paint or a black marker "TOXIC".

Antiques
Wood antiques, raw wood antiques, paper antiques like old books and maps, upholstered antique furniture, antique baskets, antique wood-based home decor "CANNOT" be saved from a home that has been tested positive for toxigenic molds.  Some antique items may be salveagable but only if they are made of glass, metal, mirror, porcelain.  

Stuffed Animals Stuffed animals go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item.  These need to be discarded and thrown away in dark plastic garbage bags. 

Baskets Baskets are made from raw wood.  Raw wood harbors mold spores and mycotoxin deep into the porous fibers of wood and uses it as fuel or food to survive.  Anything made of raw wood cannot be cleaned, nor can it be saved and needs to be thrown away. 

Paintings & Wall Art - Paintings and Wall Art are considered porous.  They are most often derived of organic materials like wood, paper, fabric ect.  The canvases and painted portion of the art are to be discarded (No matter how expensive they might be).  This is something that is a total loss in the even of a toxic mold situation.  These items are toxic and you should never place the value of a possession over the health of your family or pets.  The only parts of wall art you may clean with ammonia and save are: Wood frames ONLY sealed in poly coating, metal frames, glass frames, most hard plastic frames.  Glass inserts may also be saved by rinsing them in ammonia. Paper, Fabric, Foam or cardboard parts need to be discarded. 
 

Silk Faux Plants Silk Faux plants are often made of fibers and materials that are extremely porous.  These fibers harbor mold spores and mycotoxin deep into the porous fibers and use it as fuel or food to survive.  Anything made of raw fibers cannot be cleaned, nor can it be saved and needs to be thrown away.
 

Food is especially at risk in a water damaged building and all food needs to be completely discarded.  The only exception are canned goods, unopened water bottles, unopened jars or unopened and sealed non perishable items and frozen items that were vacuum sealed.  Dry stored ingredients, herbs and spices should all be discarded and replaced.  All other food should be discarded to avoid ongoing poisoning from the mycotoxin that could be potentially in the food. 

Cosmetics & Make-Up
are especially risky when inside of a water damaged building.  Mold, mycotoxin and airborne bacterium and viruses will contaminate makeup and cosmetic products.  If you keep these items and apply them to your skin they can become another source of contamination for you.  Remember, your skin is your largest detox organ which means it is also the most "at risk" for absorbing toxins, there you should be very mindful of what you put on your skin.  Discard all makeup and cosmetics into the trash and do not give them to others. 

Sponges Sponges are extremely porous and harbor mold spores, mycotoxin and dangerous bacteria that are only found in water damaged buildings.  Anything made of sponge cannot be cleaned, nor can it be saved and needs to be thrown away. 


Foam Foam of any kind including sponges, rubber or styrofoam is extremely porous and harbor mold spores, mycotoxin and dangerous bacteria that are ony found in water damaged buildings.  Anything made of foam cannot be cleaned, nor can it be saved and needs to be thrown away. 

Cardboard - Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  Do not store paper in garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate. 

Paper - Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  Do not store paper in garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate. 


Napkins - Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  Do not store paper in garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate. 

Paper products - Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  Do not store paper in garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate. 

Books - Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  Do not store paper in garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate. 
 

School Books (Homeschool & College, Public School) Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  Do not store paper in garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate. Homeschool books are expensive, however...so is 10 years of chronic illness or organ failure.  Protect your children by not allowing them use or access to any book that has been inside a water damaged and moldy home. 

Magazines - Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  Do not store paper in garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate. 

Puzzles - Puzzles are made of paper and cardboard.  Mold feeds off of any all all paper products.  Puzzles cannot be saved, cleaned or also should not be given to other people as it could cross-contaminate someone else's home or if they are childrens puzzles it could make children sick. 
 

Pictures - Mold feeds off of any and all paper products.  It uses it as food to survive, expand and grow.  Anything made of paper needs to be dicarded in plastic bags and disposed of properly away from the moldy property.  As any rational person would NOT want to discard family photos and memories it is advised to either have a company make copies of photos or if you do not have money to make duplicate copies of all of your lifelong photos it is recommended to spread photos outside on a VERY HOT and sunny day (NO WIND).  Turn the photos upright toward the sun for approximately ONE HOUR and then flip the photos onto the backside for an additional HOUR of exposure to the sun.  Once you are done with this process you can place photos inside ziplock sealable bags and store them AWAY from your clean living environment. Do not store pictures (AFTER YOU"VE DONE THE UV SUN PROCESS) in closets, garages or car ports that are connected to a home.  The risk of cross-contamination by paper is usually a 99% rate. 

Candles
Candles are toxic in the first place and need to be dicarded.  There is no way to clean and decontaminate candles and wicks.  Burning wicks that are exposed to mycotoxin in a water damaged building will spread the mycotoxin throughout the home.  Fire does not get rid of mold or mycotoxin unless it is over 650 degreesF for over 15 minutes straight.  No candle or wick can reach 650 degrees F. 
 

Paint Brushes & Rollers - also includes art paint application supplies and foam brushes.  All of these items should be tossed.  EXCEPT for the roller brush HANDLES only that are plastic or metal.  Do not save wooden handled roller brushes. 

Opened Paint  - includes house paint, craft paint, art supply paint (acrylics, gels, oils, waterpaints etc.) Paint can become very toxic and can actually be fuel for mold to grow.  Opened cans and bottles of paint can contain toxigenic spores that have floated from the air into these containers.  Follow your communities standards for discarding opened paint cans and make sure you do it in an environmentally safe way. 

Opened bottles of vitamins and supplements that have had the seal removed.  Mycotoxin is 150 times smaller than a human hair and as soon as you open the container...mycotoxin has already entered the bottle making it contaminated.  Ingesting these contaminated vitamins and supplements will only poison you and your family even further.  


Bandaids - Throw out all bandaids, boxes, packages. These are food for mold and will contain spores and mycotoxin.  Do not give them away to other people.  They must be thrown in the trash. 

 

Cotton Products - Cotton Balls, Cotton Pads, Cotton Swabs, Cotton disposable cloths cannot be saved.  Toxic mold is very attracted to cotton and it is very porous.  It cannot be cleaned or saved and should not be given to someone else.  They must be thrown in the trash. 

Makeup wedges or applicators - all makeup application tools need to be discarded and thrown away.  The only exception are: Tweezors, clippers, makeup brushes (they can be saved...see the safe list in Green)

Yarn
Yarn is very porous and can trap dangerous toxigenic fungi and mycotoxin inside the weave of the fibers.  Dispose of the yarn and do not keep it under ANY circumstance.  No matter how much you paid for it...it is a complete loss.   The reason for yarn is that it does not allow "ammonia" or other neutralizing cleaning agents to get through and neutralize any mycotoxin.  However with yarn the fiber is closed off and thick and does not allow ammonia or water to get in and neutralize.

Sewing Thread
Discard all sewing thread and the wood, plastic or paper they are wrapped in.  Thread is very porous and can trap mycotoxin inside the weave of the fibers.  Especially by it being tightly wound onto the spool it is not saveable and therefore neds to be discarded.  

Cork
Anything made of cork, including but not limited to: Wine corks, Cork Board, Cork Flooring, Drink Coasters, Wedge Shoes or Cork soles in shoes.
 

Rope, Fabric Cord, Twine
Any type of rope, natural cord, twine need to be thrown away.  These are very porous, woven tightly and most of them are made from natural organic material that are perfect for mold growth.  Even if the twine is made of plastic or vinyl it still needs to be discarded because it cannot be decontaminated or washed.  The fibers are too tight and will trap mycotoxin inside. 

Vacuums of all kinds (The vacuum was sucking up toxic mold spores and mycotoxin and is now in the entire vacuum) NO type of vacuum should be saved after a toxic mold issue in a home.  This also includes:  Shop Vacs (Wet or Dry), Hand-held mini vacuums, cordless vacs, electric sweepers and bagless or bag-use models.  ALL vacuums are a loss.  Keeping them will only cross-contaminate the new home you are moving to. 
 

Hair Dryers (Hair dryers pick up mycotoxins and run them through the entire dryer.  They are filled with mycotoxins and cannot be cleaned or saved)

 

Dehumidifiers (These are mold breeding grounds) Do not under any circumstance bring a dehumidifier that was in a water damaged building or a home or building that tested positive for Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium or Wallemia.  These need to be discarded and not brought into the new environment.  Doing so will cross-contaminate the new home.  These appliances bring in moisture into the device and store it.  Airborne spores are also sucked into the device and the two create a petri dish effect making the appliance a toxic threat to any home. 

Space Heaters
Space heaters pull in air from the surroundings into the appliance.  ALL space heaters need to be tossed including radiator heatin devices because they cannot be cleaned or decontaminated properly without causing cross contamination in the new space. 

Toothbrushes
For obvious reasons you need to throw out all toothbrushes and buy new ones.  These are constantly exposed to the air and will also harbor dangerous bacteria that you and your family can ingest.  Toss these out and buy new ones. 

 

Baby Bottle Nipples and Pacifiers
Bottles are prone to grow mold and the mold strains are dangerous for your baby.  Throw out all nipples, pacifiers and also plastic lids or plastic bottles with any mold.  Glass bottles, however can be saved by washing them with baking soda, soap and rinsing them thoroughly.  Glass is NOT porous.

Fluffy  and Trendy Winter Boots
(Ugg-style) boots go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item.  Having these on the bottom of your feet is a direct pathway to causing re-exposure to toxic mold through the feet. 

Down Feather/Puffy Coats
go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item. 

Fur Coats
go against the 1/2 inch rule when it comes to anything of a fabric material.  Anything that is made of fabric and is over 1/2 inch thick has a huge chance of embedding spores and mycotoxins that can later be re-activated and take root in the item.  Any item made of human hair, animal hair ect is very prone to mycotoxin contamination and must be discarded.  Washing these types of coats thinking you are going to save them only causes them to become new sources of cross contamination in homes.  Fur coats have been tested in labs to try and save them and have been unsuccessful in clearing them of mycotoxin contamination.