Old Leather Accordion Lens Connection - Fungus Growth Control

Hello,
I have a problem with my collection of old cameras with leather accordion lens connection to wooden camera body.
Extremely high humidity in the city I live (Lima, Peru) caused most of my cameras are evidencing fungus growing on their leather parts.
Some cameras are 120 years old with a red leather accordions made from sheep-skin, finest leather I ever seen and I'm not sure what kind of treatment I can give it in order to keep them free of fungus.
Could you please suggest the process of cleaning, fungus killers and extended protection for this kind of leather?
Do you ship overseas as well?
Thank you in advance for answering.

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#2
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>>> Could you please suggest the process of cleaning, fungus killers and extended protection for this kind of leather?

MOLD:
Mold is the colloquial term applied to a large diverse number of fungal species where their growth result in a moldy appearance on objects, including leather. A layer of fungal growth discolors such objects. Molds are fungi that grow in the form of multi-cellular filaments called hyphae. The hyphae are generally transparent, so the mycelium appears like very fine, fluffy white threads over the surface. The dusty texture of many molds is caused by profuse numbers of asexual spores formed by differentiation at the ends of hyphae. The mode of formation and shape of these spores are traditionally used to classify the mold fungi. Many of these spores are colored, making the fungus much more obvious to the human eye at this stage in its life cycle. Molds cause biodegradation of natural materials like leather. It can then be unwanted as mold-damaged property. Mold requires moisture for growth. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live. Typically, molds secrete enzymes that degrade complex substances into simpler substances, which can be absorbed by the hyphae. Molds reproduce through producing very large numbers of small spores. Mold spores may remain airborne indefinitely or cling to leather and fur. It can survive under extremes of temperature and pressure.

The recommended sequence of mold/fungus treatment comprises of this holistic combination processes:

1st – Dry Soil Removal:
Dry Soil removal includes the use of horsehair Brush-1 and leather Eraser-4 to remove surface dry soiling including the mold/fungus growth. Avoid breathing in the mold/fungus is disposed airborne.

2nd – Restorative Cleaning:
Restorative heavy wet cleaning system is performed with CleanPro-1.5 > Acidifier-2.0 and light maintenance cleaning with Clean-3.8 > Rinse-3.0 accordingly. Sinking pits damages, have to be physically removes during the rinsing process and an option for re-finishing after treatment.

3rd – Mold/Fungus Treatment:
Treatment to control potential growth is performed with KillMold-3.6 saturating the thickness of the leather.

4th – Leather Rejuvenating:
Leather Rejuvenating for suppleness is performed with Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor.LS-5.5 > Hydrator-3.3 system.

5th – Rub-Resistant and Non-Stick Protection:
Protector-B+ is used to reduce friction rubs that extent the aesthetic of the leather.

Note-1:
Note that the products suffix numbers represent its pH value, thus CleanPro-1.5 has a pH value of 1.5.

Note-2:
Anti-microbial, just like anti-biotic is a course of medications; that has to be administered on an 8 monthly cycle to be long term effective again re-occurrence.

Products mentioned are found in this Kit-A3.mk from this link:
http://www.leatherdoctor.com/kit-a3-...or-killer-kit/
Attachment 6918
Leather Doctor® Kit-A3.mk, leather mold odor killer kit is formulated for mold preventive and decontamination care during storage or after growth. Water damaged leathers and storing in a humid condition promotes mold growth. The presence of mold infestation is detected by its characteristic musty odor and moldy appearance. Mold is a living organism and damages are progressive that timely preventive anti-fungicidal control is preferred over corrective restoration. A progressive mold infestation will result in unsightly sinking pits that may require physical removal with refinishing. When leather is store away, a KillMold-3.6 treatment preserves the leather for a potential period of 8 months. KillMold-3.6 is a waterbased leather-safe non-phenol fungicide formulated to kill mold growth. An effective mold decontamination process would include a preparation cleaning with CleanPro-1.5 and Acidifier-2.0 as rinse prior to KillMold-3.6 treatment. Clean-3.8 with Rinse-3.0 system compliments for lighter soiling. Mold growth draws its nutrients from the leather fat and oil and will need replenishing. Rejuvenating the leather includes hydrating to relax the stick together fibers and to eliminate surface tension with Hydrator-3.3. Fat and oil follows immediately with Fatliquor LS-5.5 to rejuvenate the leather with suppleness and diffusing a classic leather scent. The surface wear of the leather is greatly reduced with a rub-resistant Protector-B+ that also enhances a non-stick buttery-feel to shield against sticky soiling. Note that the mentioned products suffix numbers denotes its pH value in this holistic approach for mold odor preventive and corrective care.

Roger Koh
Leather Care System Formulator
Consultant / Practitioner / Instructor
web: www.leatherdoctor.com
forum: www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com
email: [email protected]