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Re: mold

Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2004-03-02 13:03

Disclaimer - I sell ReedLife
Here in Atlanta we have a wonderful combination of heat and humidity for about 6 months out of the year and so I have made a study of mold growth for my own self protection. Mold and mildew spores are everywhere in the environment and they only take a warm temperature, adequate moisture content, and an energy - food - source to grow vigorously in the vegetative form. Reeds in a warm damp environment with the skin cells imbedded from your lips offer an ideal place for mold to grow. You can inhibit mold growth by removing any one of the essential elements - temperature, humidity, or food source.

Temperature in the ambient environment is hard to control all the time but refrigeration will retard mold growth. Keeping the Relative Humidity {RH} below 50% will inhibit growth, keeping the reeds clean and free of organic matter will also help.

IMHO the best ways are the latter two methods. Reeds initially dried and then stored in an air tight container containing a desiccant such as silica gel [be careful not to get dust from disposable packets on the reeds because it is a neurotoxin] will keep the RH well below 50% {a method of measuring RH such as a meter or chemical strip is helpful to be sure the moisture content in the container is below 50%}.

Removing the food source by cleaning and sanitizing with drug store hydrogen peroxide will remove the food source. In my opinion chlorine bleach is too harsh on reeds even in the 2-10% range. Repeated treatment with plain hydrogen peroxide will oxidize the natural carbohydrate and oils which aid in rehydration and moisture retention {IMHO needed for reed longevity} however. ReedLife, one of several products in the marketplace, contains a proprietary blend of humectants which replentish and protect the carbohydrate and natural oils in the reed. This is a proven formulation and not just hydrogen peroxide and glycerin - do not be fooled. As with any formulation used on your instrument or reeds it should be tested by the player for use in their own playing and practice regime.

My own experience is that low humidity and clean reeds will not grow mold or mildew in the Atlanta environment.
The Doctor

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