Ask an Expert is an occasional feature where we pose a question submitted by readers to our Healthy Home Director Carl Grimes and Healthy Building Scientist Joe Medosch.

Reader Question: My belongings have been in a moldy home for a while but even though they are not rotted, stained, or visibly moldy, I’m concerned about keeping them. Can mold from the home get on my contents?

When occupants have visible mold growth in their home, a common question they have is, “
Even when items like clothing, furniture, carpeting, bedding, and similar items are not directly impacted by water or have visible mold growth on them there is often concern about whether they can be kept or moved to a new home safely because being in a moldy environment may have resulted in settled mold spores on the contents. This information is guidance on what to do if contents may have “indirect” contamination with airborne mold.

Mold growth is caused by moisture that condenses on or is absorbed into a surface or from water leaks. No Moisture = No Mold! So if you are having a current issue with mold, the most important thing to do is to find and repair the source of the moisture as quickly as possible! If repairs are not under your control, document the damage and report it immediately.

How to determine the likelihood of contamination

Though individual circumstances can differ, here are some general questions to consider when determining if your contents may have become contaminated with airborne mold.

Can I test my belongings to determine if they are “safe” for me to keep?

Unfortunately, no test will provide conclusive evidence if an object is “safe” for you to keep or if it able to be cleaned sufficiently. An elevated spore count, especially in air samples, isn’t conclusive evidence that remediation or disposal of contents is required. You can make a better determination by visual observation for dampness or water damage, odor, and reactions when near the object or after indirect contact. Refer to the chart below for recommendations on cleaning and when to consider disposal.

Can I take mold from one home to another?

Theoretically yes. If you don’t sufficiently clean visible mold or mold spores, they could stay on your contents when they get moved. But mold is not a scary virus that will automatically spread throughout your new location. The critical thing to remember is that mold needs moisture to grow - no moisture, no mold. As long as the contents are kept dry in the new location, you shouldn’t have a problem. Whether or not an item came from a moldy environment or not, any contents in high moisture area are at risk for growing mold.

How do I evaluate and clean my belongings?

Once you have determined if / which of your contents may be contaminated, then you need to evaluate and clean according to the following guidelines:

Important Note!

If you are sensitive to mold, have asthma or similar breathing conditions and you suspect mold is on your contents you will need to determine if you can do cleaning yourself and if you are able to tolerate the items even after they have been cleaned. You may be able to be clean and keep some items or you may need to dispose of them. In some instances when mold and/or spores are widespread throughout the house you may need to relocate.

(note clothing that is in drawers has a much lower risk of contamination)
Wash with hot water with non-fragranced detergent or dry clean depending on fabric requirements.
Only if water damaged, or visible mold growth or musty smells. Or if 2-3 wash/dry cycles don’t remove the odor or the reactions.




Wash with hot water with non-fragranced detergent. Some curtains may be dry cleaned.
Only if water damaged, or visible mold growth or musty smells. Or if 2-3 wash/dry cycles don’t remove the odor or the reactions.




Vacuum with HEPA vacuum or HEPA or allergy reducing bag; standard vacuums can put mold back into the air.
Only if water damaged, or visible mold growth or musty smells or if your reactions don’t subside.




Vacuum with HEPA vacuum or HEPA or allergy reducing bag; standard vacuums can put mold spores and fragments back into the air.
Only if water damaged, or visible mold growth or musty smells or if your reactions don’t subside.




Wipe with a soft cloth and use non-fragranced detergent.
Not typically necessary unless physically damaged.




Abrade surface 1-2 millimeters to create a smooth surface.This removes all growth and loose spores even at the lowest parts of the roughness.
Rotted areas will need to be removed if there is a loss of structural integrity.




Dust with a microfiber cloth or vacuum with HEPA vacuum.
Not typically necessary unless water damaged or reactions continue. Important documents can be scanned/copied and then disposed. Or, placed in Ziplock bags for access only when occasionally needed.




Dust the exterior with a microfiber cloth. Use compressed air.
Not typically necessary unless water damaged.