"Closet Classic" Real Life Issues (Mold)

Twocan

Twocan

Living the Dream
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Oct 5, 2009
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#1
I just picked up a vintage bass from a barn sale, which may have been last used in the 1970's. It's in amazing shape, except that it's got a light layer of mold(ish) growth over a bit of the body. I don't have photos handy, so imagine the look and consistency of dried milk on a black finish.

I'm confident that it will come off with the finish unaffected, but what method/products would you recommend to tackle it? Thanks.
 
#2
Here's a pic of the treasure trove I picked up! I'll try to get a close up of the bass (1978 Fender Musicmaster) tonight.
 

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#3
If you are willing to disassemble it, all it requires is a warm soupy solution with a splash of bleach added. But you need to be sure its not discoloration of the finish from dampness. I would store it for a week or so in a warm place in the house, if in a week or so it still has the discoloration THEN I would disassemble and wash it.
 
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#5
I bought a Scottish wardrobe that had a burl veneer on the doors, the finish was milky in spots. I applied a coat of beeswax to the finish, the milkyness disappeared, the original luster came back, and I haven't touched it since, that was 1992. That milky look WAS NOT mold and I knew it though.
 
#7
The reason I say you should disassemble is to prevent liquid from wicking under the joins (metal/wood or wood/wood) and getting trapped there, potentially causing more problems. I guess if you are real careful, the cleaning could be done while still assembled. I'm a klutz and wouldn't attempt it though.
 
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#8
I assume '78 means poly finish. In that case you can be a bit more aggressive with the mildew, without risking the finish.

I personally use Planet Waves "Restore" on most finishes, and to first get rid of the mildew, I'd recommend a quick pass over the body with Ronsonol lighter fluid to kill the mildew and de-gunk.

For obvious reasons, please don't smoke during the first step.
 
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#12
Either ammonia or bleach kills and neutralizes mold and mildew. Ammonia doesn't affect colors like bleach does tho, and is easier to rinse/wipe off, as bleach leaves a slick film/residue which needs more water to remove. But as prev suggested, Windex (contains ammonia) will likely take care of it, and will not leave much (if any noticeable) residue.
 
#13
I've killed mold on everything from leather jackets to guitar cases with WD 40. If mold is on your guitar , spray some on a rag and wipe it down. Amazing results. I've used it on speaker cabs too. When I bought my hot rod , it had been sitting for about 10 years and the seats were terrible. Only took about 20 minutes to clean them all up. It is petroleum based so I don't know if it's good for nitro finishes so if you instrument falls into this category , try it on a small unseen portion before going full tilt with the stuff. Never had any problems on my Gibsons , Fenders , Guilds or Ibanez. I had a case that got pretty nasty on the inside and I just sprayed the thing down and left it open for a couple days. That was 5 or 6 years ago and I still use that case.

edit: I got a hold of a bunch of the silicate anti moisture packs a while back and tossed a few in all my cased. Haven't seen any mold since.
 
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