DIY Contents Preparation & Cleaning

How to safely pack, evaluate and clean your belongings during the small particulate cleanup.

  • During remediation and structural cleaning, microscopic particulates can settle onto belongings. Removing contents before work begins protects:

    • your health

    • successful PRV (post-remediation verification)

    • structural cleanliness

    • prevention of recontamination

    • eligibility for our SPC guarantee

    Contents removal is required for all SPC projects.

  • 1. Pack and remove contents from treatment areas (you do this first)
    2. Source remediation
    3. Structural SPC cleaning
    4. PRV – Post-Remediation Verification
    5. Contents cleaning and reintroduction (AFTER PRV and OUTSIDE the home)

    Contents are not cleaned inside the home or before PRV.

  • Considered contents

    • clothing, bedding, linens

    • toys and children’s items

    • electronics and small appliances

    • décor and household accessories

    • books and papers

    • kitchenware

    • hobby and craft items

    • personal belongings

    NOT considered contents

    Large non-porous furniture, such as:

    • tables

    • sealed wood dressers

    • cabinets

    These are cleaned by our team during structural cleaning. goes here

  • 1. Porosity

    Porous: textiles, foam, paper, unfinished wood, wicker → harder to clean, may be discarded

    Non-porous: glass, metal, sealed wood, plastic, ceramics → easier to clean

    2. Monetary Value

    Consider cost vs cleaning effort.

    3. Sentimental Value

    For meaningful items:

    • isolate

    • clean last

    • reintroduce gradually

    This is the ideal time for a home purge.

  • We recommend:

    • EC3 Microbial Solution Cleaner

    • Benefect Decon30

    • Dish soap (with no essential oils) + water (5 drops per quart of water)

  • Contents must be cleaned:

    ✅ ONLY after PRV
    ✅ OUTSIDE the home

    Suitable areas:

    • covered patios

    • under canopies

    • outdoor cleaning stations

    • garages

  • ✅ after PRV
    ✅ after cleaning
    ✅ after fully dry

  • We use affiliate links for certain recommended products. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission, but our recommendations are based solely on product suitability and performance.

    Mattress Covers: https://amzn.to/4pqYOov

    Microfiber Cloths (we recommend disposal of these, as washing microfiber is being shown to cause fibers to end up in waterways): https://amzn.to/43NLt19

    Plastic Storage Totes: https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-Gal-Tough-Storage-Tote-in-Black-and-Yellow-999-27G-HDX/327528802

    EC3 Microbial Solution Spray & Laundry Additive Bundle (we may be able to get these products for a cheaper rate than shown on the website. If interested, please reach out to info@restoredrootsremediation.com): https://microbalancehealthproducts.com/products/ec3-mold-solution-spray-and-laundry-additive-bundle.html

    Benefect Decon 30: https://amzn.to/4p8TVR2

    True HEPA vacuum: https://amzn.to/4ifIHrD

Cleaning Instructions by Item Type

  • (glass, metal, sealed wood, plastic, ceramics)

    1. HEPA vacuum

    2. Spray microfiber with chosen cleaner

    3. Wipe down the item from top to bottom

    4. Dry fully

    5. Repeat until there is no more dust

  • (unfinished wood, wicker, textured décor)

    ❌ Discard if water damaged or degraded

    1. HEPA vacuum

    2. Spray microfiber with chosen cleaner

    3. Wipe down the item from top to bottom

    4. Dry fully

    5. Repeat until confident there is no more dust

  • Highly porous and retains particulates.

    ❌ Cloth couches and upholstered seating should be discarded
    ❌ Suede and fabric headboards recommended for removal

  • ❌ Discard if water damaged or degraded

    1. HEPA vacuum

    2. Spray microfiber with chosen cleaner

    3. Wipe down the item from top to bottom

    4. Dry fully

    5. Repeat until confident there is no more dust

  • May be kept ONLY IF fully enclosed.

    ✅ Full zippered encasement required
    ✅ Keep encasement on permanently
    ✅ Have spare covers for laundry days

    Recommended encasement:
    https://a.co/d/4bKvRd7

  • (clothing, bedding, towels, washable curtains, stuffed animals, pillows)

    1. You may use any laundry detergent you prefer

    2. EC3 Laundry Additive

    3. Hot water if fabric allows

    It is a good idea to add EC3 laundry additive into your regular washing routine.

    1. Dry clean

    ❌ Discard if none of the above methods are possible

  • Dunking Method:

    1. Submerge in cleaning solution

    2. Agitate

    3. Rinse if needed

    4. Dry fully in the sun

    1. Use a can of electronics approved compressed air and blow out the vents

    2. Wipe exterior with electronics-safe wipes

    ⚠ items with fans may recirculate particulates

  • Keep ONLY if no water damage or mold

    1. Clean edges using compressed air (can or compressor)

    2. Wipe covers

  • Wash as normal in the dishwasher

  • Tools, plastic storage, metal items, vinyl:

    1. HEPA vacuum

    2. Spray microfiber with chosen cleaner

    3. Wipe down the item from top to bottom

    4. Dry fully

    5. Repeat until there is no more dust

    ❌ Discard yarn, felt, stuffing, bulk paper

  • Many pet beds can be laundered

    1. You may use any laundry detergent you prefer

    2. EC3 Laundry Additive

    3. Hot water if fabric allows

    ❌ Discard cat trees, sisal posts, foam-filled beds