How should porous materials with mold growth be handled?

Handling porous materials with mold growth requires a careful approach due to the nature of these materials and the difficulty in completely removing mold from them. When mold infests porous surfaces, such as drywall, carpet, or insulation, the mold spores can penetrate deep into the material, making it nearly impossible to eliminate all of the molds even with thorough cleaning.

The recommended action for porous materials that cannot be effectively cleaned is to discard them. This ensures that all mold and mold spores are removed from the environment, which is crucial for preventing further spread of mold and minimizing health risks associated with mold exposure. In many cases, the structural integrity and aesthetic value of porous materials may also be compromised, making disposal the safest and most practical option.

Other methods mentioned are ineffective for dealing with porous materials. For instance, using disinfectants may not penetrate deeply enough to eliminate mold spores embedded within the material. Painting over mold is a temporary cosmetic fix and does not address the root problem, allowing mold to continue growing underneath the paint. Storing materials outside for drying may not effectively remove mold and could expose them to additional moisture, worsening the mold problem. Therefore, discarding porous materials when they are heavily infested is the most effective strategy for ensuring a safe and mold-free environment.