What should be done with porous materials exposed to mold?

When materials that are porous, such as carpets, drywall, or ceiling tiles, become exposed to mold, the most effective and safest approach is to remove and discard them. Porous materials have a structure that allows mold spores to penetrate deeply within, making it extremely difficult to eliminate mold entirely even with thorough cleaning methods. Simply trying to clean or treat these materials may leave behind mold spores, which can reactivate and lead to a recurrence of mold growth.

Removing and discarding these materials is essential, particularly if they are extensively contaminated. This not only prevents further mold growth but also protects the health of individuals in the environment by reducing their exposure to mold spores and associated mycotoxins. This approach aligns with current best practices for mold remediation, focusing on ensuring safety and effectively managing mold-related issues.

While the other options might seem appealing, such as cleaning and reusing or painting over, these methods generally fail to address the underlying problem that deep penetration of mold into porous materials poses. Repairing porous materials is also ineffective in most cases, as the likelihood of hidden mold health hazards remains high.