Help -- mildew in guitar cases

Subject: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: Songster Bob
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 12:53 PM

Recently, the east coast of the US was subjected to a hurricane. For various reasons, we didn't get water in the basement during the actual hurricane, but we did get it later (with the power out, the sump pump batteries finally gave up). I dried the floor of my "studio," and moved amps to another room, drying them as I went.

Then we got another flood, this time from backed-up pipes. Through all of this, I neglected to check out the closet full of cases. They didn't get very wet, and I did a quick check of them after the first flooding, but never went back after the second, for about a week or ten days.

That's right! I now have about seven hardshell cases and one chipboard case with significant mildew in 'em.

How do I remove it? I've looked for products specifically for mildew, but most of those seem not to work very well on fabrice (like the plush in the cases). I am about to try a diluted bleach mixture -- 4 to 1 or 5 to 1 water to bleach -- but it occurred to me to ask if anyone has a better idea?

I can think of one, but don't know if it's a good answer or not -- I have a friend who once had (and therefore still has) a really strong UV light. What I don't know is if it's portable enough to bring to the cases, or will I have to bring the cases to him?

So I'm open to suggestions and folklore and horror tales and all that good chatter stuff.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 01:29 PM

Well, I suspect the chipboard case is toast... I got midew in a chip board desk once, and even after cleaning it, on humid days you could still smell it...

As is, I suspect, the plush lining in the cases as well... It's like getting mildew in a cars appolstery... the only way to really get rid of it is to reappolster...

best of luck!

Subject: RE: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: Willie-O
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 01:48 PM

Go with the bleach mixture, on one of the hardshells. If necessary, try a stronger mix. You have nothing to lose, cause they are all functionally useless if you don't get that crap out.

Seven hardshell cases is a bit of a blow, but obviously they did not have the instruments in them...did you see the ad for the Lloyd Loar F-5 mando that was in a flood and all the seams opened up? Ouch...

I reckon if the plush doesn't make it back to normal (and I suspect it won't) you could just remove it and put in 1/2 inch packing foam...works just as well.

Good luck...
W-O

Subject: RE: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: s&r
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 04:42 PM

Some plastic foam reacts with some guitar finishes. Crushed velvet as used for curtains isn't dear and works well

Subject: RE: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: PapaWhiskey
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 07:27 PM

Here's a link to a non-clorine bleach product that is advertised to work on mildew. Can't vouch for it myself, but it may be easier on your linings than bleach.


link

Subject: RE: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Nov 03 - 09:59 AM

You can treat the surface of the fabric, but it will keep coming back and festering for decades. Rip the linings out and reupholster. Prewash the fabric to get the 'sizing' out so you're not putting weird chemicals next to your instruments.
Or file an insurance claim and burn 'em.

Subject: RE: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: beardedbruce
Date: 25 Nov 03 - 03:49 PM

I have had some success with lemon juice sprayed inside, then left open out in the (summer) sun.

Subject: RE: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: Willie-O
Date: 25 Nov 03 - 04:08 PM

Truth is, every time a case of mine has gone funky, it has caused damage to the instrument inside which exceeded the cost of replacing the case...it would be decent if they made high-end guitar cases with replaceable linings and indestructible hinges (the usual culprit.)

Subject: RE: Help -- mildew in guitar cases
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Nov 03 - 04:13 PM

My ex wife had green growth on her silver flute once. Turned out it was sterling moss.