 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-01-28 19:26
An interesting recipe for mildew smell remover just appeared on the Yahoo Musical Instrument Technician list http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/musical_instrument_technician/message/758:
Mix:
2 cups baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
4-5 crumbled bay leaves
1 tablespoon ground cloves
Sprinkle mixture over entire case interior. Leave overnight or longer. Vacuum.
The poster says he doesn't like the smell of Febreeze (I agree).
Lelia - Have you or anyone else tried this or something like it?
Ken Shaw
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2011-01-29 14:56
Ken, I've never tried that recipe, but I just copied it. Thanks for providing it. I don't care for the smell of Febreze, either, though I've resorted to it on occasion.
That recipe makes sense. Leaving a box of baking soda open in the refrigerator is a well-known way of keeping the smell fresh in there, although keeping the fridge clean inside works even better! ;-) Bay leaves and cloves are both ingredients in pickling spice mixtures. Some home remedy resources recommend strewing bay leaves in closets, wardrobes, steamer trunks, etc., for reputed preservative and insect-repelling properties. I don't know how much science there is behind those uses. My guess is that the cornstarch does nothing except cause the other ingredients to stick to the fabric.
I recommend trying this mixture on some disposable scraps of fabric or in an inconspicuous place in the case first, because I suspect that the cornstarch, even when thoroughly dry, may permeate the fabric so deeply that vacuuming might not remove all the visible residue. Also, ground cloves might stain some fabrics.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
Post Edited (2011-01-29 14:57)
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Author: Klarnetisto
Date: 2011-01-29 18:23
Thanks for the recipe -- I may try it.
I have two cases with terrible odor. The velvet was so badly worn and even sometimes had visible mildew, so I tore that all out and will replace the cloth. I also found that cardboard pieces retained the odor, so I'll replace those. Then I plan to wash all the wooden interior framework with alcohol or white vinegar (whichever works), then put a sealant on it.
Of course, buying a new case is much less bother -- and may be cost-effective if you think it terms of time = money.
But for at least one of these I want to keep the original case for collectability reasons.
Klarnetisto
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Author: timg
Date: 2011-01-29 22:15
The UV in direct sunlight will kill microbes. Occasionally I leave my case (opened and empty) out in the sun, and it does seem to get rid of any smell.
You need a cloudless day, and it won't work indoors as glass blocks UV. Keep an eye on the weather - you don't want it to rain on your instrument case!
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