Moldy Warwick Help

[RadioactiveGuy4]

Hey!

So I recently moved from Louisiana to Oregon and had my basses in storage for a few months. Unfortunately, when I got them out of storage my basses had a coating of mildew/mold on them. My Fenders were easy to clean but I'm not sure how to clean the Warwick. It has a wenge neck and fretboard and bubinga body.

Any suggestions on what I can use for the Warwick without damaging the finish/wood?

Pic bellow...

 

[Markshan]

I would think that Lysol wipes would be safe. I use them on paper record album jackets and they don't hurt anything. However, I would certainly work it hard on a small inconspicuous area of each surface in case it does have some effect on the finish. Clean those spots, look at it the next day, clean some more. And if it comes back in 6 months tear everything apart and clean all the hidden areas too.

 

[RSBBass]

I would start with a microfiber cloth. In a dryer environment the mold may not return.

 

[Markshan]

@RSBBass , good thought. I think like someone in Pittsburgh, where mold is a way of life. A trick I learned with vacuum tubes is to use used dryer sheets. They're just abrasive of enough to take off the dirt but not abrasive enough to take the lettering off the glass usually. I would think that would be as safe as a microfiber cloth but perhaps do a little more to polish the mold off of there.

 

[Markshan]

Oh, a mask and gloves are recommended in case you are allergic.

 

[chemojay]

Magic Erasers do wonders.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I'm seeing all sorts of interesting solutions (literally!): white vinegar, borax, Murphy's, naptha, dish detergent, even bleach (...my least favorite). Wenge has lots of nooks & crannies so it will have to be worked with a soft bristle brush.

Riis

 

[Markshan]

One other good "solution" is Sporacidin Enzymatic Mold Cleaner. Basically gentle as water but eats mold.