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I have been told by a Micologist, (a mold specialist), that a mixture of 75% vinegar (acetic acid) and 25% distilled water (de-ironised water), will kill mold spores.
Living in the tropics, mold is of a major concern.
Would the above be detrimental to leather if wiped over to eliminate the mold spores during times of high humidity?
I am referring to pigmented and aniline here, in the case of nubuck, it would be lightly sprayed on.
Look forward to your replies.
Thanks,
Shorty.
Shorty, as “a mold specialist” he would have all the research and reason to tell you so!
Vinegar ranges from 5% to 18%.
A solution above 25% in terms of safety is handled differently because of the pungent, corrosive vapor.
Ask him how would he recommend handling at a 75% concentration?
At a 75% concentration what is the pH value then?
If the idea is to derive at a certain pH value threshold, there is a safer alternative without the “pungent corrosive vapor”.
If it is more of the interest of the pH value rather than the type of acid, I will reveal to you a safer alternative.
Another consideration is to remember - leather pH neutral is from 3 - 5.
Any pH value used (outside pH 3-5) to rectify a problem has to be brought back to this “leather safe” pH range of 3-5 (for the sake of the leather pH chemistry integrity).
Over,
Roger Koh
Leather Doctor® System
Common household vinegar was suggested to be added to the water.
I do no know what the pH value of this would be.
Thanks,
Shorty.
PS :::: This issue was brought up at a convention where some top people from the IICRC & other organisations, as well as a couple of hundred carpet/upholstery cleaners/water damage restorers, etc; were meeting.
A lot of the big heads scoffed at the idea.
Money, I believe would also be involved here.
Shorty,
Common household Vinegar in a pure form has an average pH value of 2.3.
The pH has to be further lower from 1.5 to 1.9 to be effective against microbial growth in solution.
The question is how long to soak it to be effective?
How about the sour smell?
Over,
Maybe some have a better idea if we want to pursue the vinegar route as a “fungicide”.
Roger Koh
Leather Doctor® System.
Roger,
What suggestions do you have that could be packaged and sold to owners of leather that would inhibit the growth of mold spores??
I have interested customers that are prepared to apply a product on a regular basis during our "wet" season IF it will stop the mold spores.
In my area, mold spores are in the air all the time, however, they only "blossom" during times of rain or high humidity, this is when it hits the fan and I start getting panick calls about the mold in their leather.
Then I'm expected to be just sitting there, waiting for THEIR phone call & dash out and fix everything within the same day. :rolleyes:
I reckon I could write a book on mold stories alone :D
Thanks again,
Shorty.
d’Mold3.6™ comes in concentrate too, dilute with distilled water at ratio 1: 10.
Bottle it with custom labels (your name and phone number) and distribute it at your end (leather retailers, manufacturers, owners, etc.)
This “fungicide/bactericide” product is used in commercial tannery too.
It’s effectiveness last 8 months.
It is best to apply on an 8 monthly cycle or at least once a year before the “wet” season in your situation.
Roger Koh
Leather Doctor® System
Here is the product description:
d’Mold3.6™ pH value 3.6 is a leather safe non-phenol “fungicide/bactericide” to kill microbial growth actively for all leathers.
An eight monthly re-application will continue to work against microbial activities.
Microbial growth releases a distinctive and characteristic suffocating musty odor.
It can be recognized easily by its typical growth color or sporadic pattern.
It is usually found on leather that has been stored away while damp.
Or due to high humidity with poor air circulation commonly found in tropical climate area.
Its growth may result in unsightly stain, discoloration, deterioration and loss of tensile strength to the leather.
Therefore refinishing may be necessary after disinfectant.
Type:
Absorbent (Pure-Aniline, Aniline, Vegetable-Tanned, Nubuck or Suede).
Semi-Absorbent (Semi-Aniline).
Non-Absorbent (Pigmented, Simulated or Bicast).
Woolskin (Shearling or Sheepskin).
Purpose:
It’s to disinfect and control musty odor from mold activities after decontamination cleaning.
Preparation:
It’s recommended to d’Grease4.9™, clean3.8™, rinse3.0™ and fatliquor5.0™ prior to d’Mold3.6™ (applicable to used goods).
Instruction:
Shake well, spray soak and agitate with leatherBrush1™, nubuckBrush2™ or suedeBrush3™.
Aftercare:
leatherScent’B™, D, S or W helps mask odor with a classic leather scent.
I know Shorty is Down under and Roger is above.
Here in the good old US of A one must be careful with the term disinfect and sanitize as the US goverment does not recognize our ability to inhibit mold growth on porous surfaces.
YET there it is. I like you idea Roger and Shorty.....Vinegar stinks and has little to no residual benefit so a recontamination in a matter of days an POOF, the problem returns.
Rogers product has that good old fashion residual that you may require in your warm and lovely climate.
PS...Howdy old friend.
Coming over anytime soon?
Connections Maybe?
Steve,
Sooner or later I know you will be here!
How often do you wrapped-up in Leather?
You must have fatliquor in your system then! "LOL"
By the way, Post your IICRC-LCT class here!
I may have two students, or at least one that like to be certified and the other may need that 2 points.
Both leather specialist enjoy the Leather Doctor® system now, after years with Leather Master products.
Roger
note:
Pamela, yours too!