Destroying the mold

December 2, 2005 at 05:39 AM · This summer while I was at Brevard, it rained so much every day that it ended up getting my music wet and making it mold. It's rather disgusting, and I definately can't afford to buy ALL new music. I bought new copies of the worst and most important ones (Scale book, solo Bach, and Kreutzer), but some weren't so bad that I had to buy.

Of course, even the ones that just have a touch on it I have to keep separate from my other, non-moldy music, to keep it from spreading. Unfortunately, I sometimes forget that.

What would be the best way to get mold off the paper? I thought maybe those Clorox wipes, although that risks taking off the ink. Any other ideas?

Replies (6)

Joseph Galamba

December 2, 2005 at 06:16 AM · If you want to use bleach use the Clorox spray instead of the wipes. It seems to me that that should work better.

However, the fumes from mold could potentially be quite dangerous (or harmless, you just don't know). If a museum has to treat paper for mould they dry it out first and then brush it with a soft brush under a ventilation system and with special equipment to protect the restorer. Paper's nasty in this case b/c it's delicate and fibery and such.

Sorry I can't help you more

Keep the mouldy music in a sealed plastic bag to keep it from spreading.

Jim W. Miller

December 2, 2005 at 06:52 AM · A borax solution might make it come off if it isn't embedded. I know it will kill it and make it come off in flakes on some surfaces. Maybe laundry aids too, like color safe bleach. Or that stuff on TV that's like magic.

Julia Alexander

December 3, 2005 at 01:47 AM · How would you go about drying out the paper?

Ruth Kuefler

December 3, 2005 at 03:10 AM · Maybe you could put paper towels around the music and between the pages, and then press the paper with some books so it doesn't crinkle? (I really have no idea, but you could try that) Or there's always the blow-dryer solution; that might work. Good luck. : )

Wanda Jenkins

December 3, 2005 at 05:27 AM · First step: Lightly dampen a clean cloth with boric acid and gently wipe the pages, from the middle out. It's best to do this outside so mold particles don't contaminate your house. And wear a face mask to protect your lungs.

Second: Place all the moldy books/music in a frost free freezer and leave for at least a week. It will suck out any moisture that may still be lurking in the fibers.

Last: Get a garbage can and layer the books with kitty litter, cover securely with a lid. Leave for several more days. Seriously. This will help to eliminate odors and absorb any remaining moisture.

Once last step you may want to take to be absolutely sure all mold has been removed : Once the pages are thoroughly dried, place a window screen over a page and gently vacuum.

(Methods learned from the damage control wizard who works in the library where I work.) Good luck!