 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Littlebigtone
Date: 2023-10-18 18:35
Attachment: moldy buffet.jpg (275k)
I have a nice Buffet wood clarinet that was stored in the case with moisture in it. It developed a gigantic batch of mold all over the instrument and case.
I have dissembled and washed the instrument. It still has an acute moldy smell.
I am thinking about putting the body it into a ultrasound machine that I have, to try to remove as much of the mold as possible.
I will also need to kiln dry the wood, because the long storage in a moist environment has caused all the parts to swell. I of course have discarded the case.
Has anyone had any successful experiences dealing with this sort of problem. Any ideas for getting rid of the moldy smell in the wood body would be helpful.
thanks
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Author: Hunter_100
Date: 2023-10-18 20:46
Did you change the pads? The mold will likely be growing in the pads too. I would think a kiln would cause the wood to distort even more. Maybe just leave it sit on a shelf for a few weeks to naturally dry out?
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Author: m1964
Date: 2023-10-19 01:18
I would remove all keys, strip all pads, wash the wood with alcohol pad, and then let it dry for a few weeks.
No kiln drying b/c it will most likely distort the bore.
I wonder if the springs are rusty- they may need to be replaced.
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Author: DougR
Date: 2023-10-25 06:30
That picture -- PHEW!! You say "long storage in a moist environment has caused all the parts to swell", so to me, the principal job here is to get the instrument to stabilize in normal humidity, and then after a suitable interval, check to see if it returned to all of its correct measurements.
If it has, and if all the corks and pads and keys are off the body, there's a bunch of stuff you could try, but I'd assume it'll take some time so I wouldn't get too eager to get it done with a deadline in mind. If the sun isn't too strong this time of year where you are, set the body outside for a few hours (or longer) in the sun; direct sun might kill some of the smell. Repeated applications of white vinegar, diluted or not, inside and outside, might also work (the vinegar smell should dissipate and hopefully take the mold smell with it). You could also try a wash of very highly diluted chlorine bleach, but I'd try that out somewhere less visible (like, a little spot on the inside of the bell maybe). This all may take many repeated applications.
I've used baking soda effectively to de-stink the insides of cases, and I suppose there'd be a way to make up a baking soda paste to schmeer on the wood, but I'd be cautious about that.
But really, if the instrument has been permanently distorted by the prolonged exposure to moisture, none of this might actually be worth it.
Good luck!
Post Edited (2023-10-25 16:07)
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2023-10-26 00:39
Scott Winkler is pretty adamant that if there is mold on the wood of a clarinet like this one that is not salvageable.
It's not worth keeping. Toss it and get something mold free.
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Author: Grendel McGrenadill
Date: 2023-10-27 12:32
Hello,
my experience spending time in old boats and a humid climate is that a mild ( around 3% ) peroxide-solution works very well.
It oxidises the soft organics like mold and bacteria without leaving any extra carbon based mold food on the surface, which for example vinegar would.
However do not soak the instrument in it. Just wipe the surfaces a couple of times. Of course after removing all the metal parts.
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Author: DougR
Date: 2023-10-29 06:31
Thanks, I'm adding your mild 3% peroxide solution to my list of mold remedies. Wasn't aware of the consideration about carbon-based mold food...eugh. I have a very moldy-smelling flute case that I've been using baking soda (repeated applications) for the inside (successfully, I might add), but the outside of the case is pretty resistant to vinegar so far. Now that I know the effects of the vinegar, I'll try some peroxide solution. Glad for the tip, thanks!
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2023-10-29 10:49
Just adding that whatever agent turns out successful, you probably need to apply it also inside the bore and inside every single tone hole, in addition to the outer surface (not forgetting also sockets and tenons, of course).
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Author: JTJC
Date: 2023-10-29 14:26
Would leaving the flute case in the freezer overnight be a cure? Not for the instrument itself, or a clarinet, of course.
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Author: Julian ibiza
Date: 2023-10-29 16:04
Leave the case out in direct sunlight . The UV-C Rays will kill any mould . Also it will air the case of nasty odors and get it well dried out .
Julian Griffiths
Tel. 34 696 798 853
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Author: DougR
Date: 2023-10-29 17:32
Would leaving the case in the freezer do anything? In my experience, no--although, as we say around here constantly, Your Mileage May Vary--maybe some sort of super-cryogenic deep freezing might work, but I don't have access to something like that.
I ran across an account once of a gal who bought a beautiful 50s-period sofa that unfortunately stank of mold. Her remedy was to buy 2 quarts of cheap vodka, hook up a sprayer to the bottles, spray the couch thoroughly, and leave it in the back yard under direct sun until the vodka evaporated, et voila, mold smell gone. That's creativity!
Post Edited (2023-11-06 03:10)
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Author: moma4faith
Date: 2023-11-05 05:16
That photo hurts my heart! Poor instrument, and case! Please keep us updated on how things are going. I hope you are able to save this instrument.
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