Mold/Mildew on rifle stock...How do I clean/prevent?

[LooseGrouper]

On some of my wood-stocked rifles that I don't get to shoot very often, I've noticed a powdery white mold will sometime take hold. What is the best way to clean this? I'd prefer not change the look of the finish if possible (except to remove the mold, of course).

Also, what's the best way to prevent this? I can't really change where I store my guns. Is there something I could wipe on the stocks? Maybe some kind of dessicant that can be used in a large (5'x7') area?

Thanks.

 

[pbhome71]

You can try this link... http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/copubs/home/care/007/#Interior Wood Surfaces:

Interior Wood Surfaces: Make a solution of 8 to 10 tablespoons of washing soda and 1 gallon water. Scrub the mildewed surface using a soft-bristled brush. Then rinse with clear water and dry. This solution can be used on most painted or stained wood surfaces. If the mildew has grown under the paint or varnish, it may be necessary to use an abrasive cleaner to scrub the wood. After scrubbing, use the solution above adding 1 cup of chlorine bleach to the solution. Then rinse well with water. Dry thoroughly as quickly as possible. Apply a wood preservative before repainting.

For my C&R rifles, I usually use soap and water. I think the key is to get rid of dirt and keep the wood dry.

Have you check your humidity level? I think if it is humid enough for mold/mildew to grow, it would be enough for the guy to rust. If your guns do not rust, may be the stocks just need cleaning and dry.

-Pat

 

[unclestu]

I recently had the same problem with some old leather knife sheaths. After getting lots of conflicting information on the Inet, I finally just scrubbed & wiped them down thoroughly with a terrycloth washrag soaked in hot tap water, then wiped them down with rubbing alcohol. More than 6 mos later, no sign of the mold re-occuring. *But*:the alcohol may be rough on some stock finishes. You could skip the alcohol, & just be sure they're well dried befoer you put 'em away.

 

[rudolf]

unclestu is right, alcohol is best as it kills the mold. The mold lives in the wood, so just rubbing it off doesn't really help.

 

[LooseGrouper]

Thanks for the info, guys. I never would have thought of using alcohol. Great idea. It may dry the finish out a little, but it's got to be better than bleach...which is the only other anitfungal I could think of.

What about keeping the area dry? Do they make dessicant (spl?) in a big can or something that you can buy at the hardware store? I'm think about something like and industrial sized version of what they pack on beef jerky pouches to keep it dry. If not, I may have to go for those "keep your gun dry/rust-free" storage bags I've seen advertised. Anyone remember the name of those?

 

[Arc-Lite]

take it out into the sun, and use the rifles... wipe them down with any wood cleaner, like orange glow, or even a thinner and oil combo.... no alcohol, or chlorine... or scrubbing unless your rile is a beater.... anything that keeps the air moving will prevent this from happening....must live in a pretty moist area..... bull frog makes a rifle and hand gun pouch...that works