Mold in a camera bag
Dec 3, 2019 11:37:50 #
I recently moved and packed a box full of camera bags (no equipment ... just the bags.) I just opened the box after several months and one of the bags, a Kelly Moore canvas and leather pilot backpack, was covered with mold. There were several other non-leather camera bags in the box, zipped or clasped, showing no signs of mold.
All of the bags were pricey and I’d like to save them, but I have no intention of doing so if it would jeopardize my gear. My question is, is it possible to de-mold the bags and, if so, what would you recommend to treat the present or potential mold? But more importantly, is it too great a risk and should I just chuck them and cut the loss?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Regards,
JDM
All of the bags were pricey and I’d like to save them, but I have no intention of doing so if it would jeopardize my gear. My question is, is it possible to de-mold the bags and, if so, what would you recommend to treat the present or potential mold? But more importantly, is it too great a risk and should I just chuck them and cut the loss?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Regards,
JDM
Dec 3, 2019 11:47:13 #
jdm wrote:
I recently moved and packed a box full of camera b... (show quote)
You can save them.
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Mold-from-Bags
Dec 3, 2019 11:47:22 #
A quick search found this
https://www.originaltuscany.com/en/blog/how-to-remove-mold-from-your-leather-bag--n18
https://www.originaltuscany.com/en/blog/how-to-remove-mold-from-your-leather-bag--n18
Dec 3, 2019 11:52:03 #
jdm wrote:
I recently moved and packed a box full of camera b... (show quote)
I had good luck with Hydrogen peroxide.
With everything you want to test in a place that won't show.
Dec 3, 2019 21:16:17 #
For mold to grow it needs spores, shade (non-sunlight), still air & moisture. Any chance bag was damp when stored or moisture wicked thru the box? Assume cloth bags allowed any moisture to evaporate or weren't moist. The same applies to lens.
Peroxide, vinegar or diluted bleach will all get rid of the mold but may affect the leather.
Peroxide, vinegar or diluted bleach will all get rid of the mold but may affect the leather.
Dec 4, 2019 08:32:23 #
Don’t allow any type of water mixture to saturate the leather. It can dry the leather and eventually cause it to crack.
On all my leather items, shoes, boots, holsters, and jackets, I use saddle soap, and follow it with a good leather paste. Kiwi puts out a good leather preservative. Both will cost less than $15, and last for years.
Good luck.
On all my leather items, shoes, boots, holsters, and jackets, I use saddle soap, and follow it with a good leather paste. Kiwi puts out a good leather preservative. Both will cost less than $15, and last for years.
Good luck.
Dec 4, 2019 09:32:09 #
Dec 4, 2019 11:54:58 #
Hi JDM,
I would not put your glass and cameras in those bags. If you get rid of the visible mold you are likely to have outgassing of acid, base or other chemicals used. All etch glass. Also, you need to prevent the mold from coming back. Mold likes surfaces and niches, like camera gear.
Regrets on the bags.
I would not put your glass and cameras in those bags. If you get rid of the visible mold you are likely to have outgassing of acid, base or other chemicals used. All etch glass. Also, you need to prevent the mold from coming back. Mold likes surfaces and niches, like camera gear.
Regrets on the bags.
Dec 4, 2019 12:10:01 #
hgrinolds wrote:
Hi JDM,
I would not put your glass and cameras in those bags. If you get rid of the visible mold you are likely to have outgassing of acid, base or other chemicals used. All etch glass. Also, you need to prevent the mold from coming back. Mold likes surfaces and niches, like camera gear.
Regrets on the bags.
I would not put your glass and cameras in those bags. If you get rid of the visible mold you are likely to have outgassing of acid, base or other chemicals used. All etch glass. Also, you need to prevent the mold from coming back. Mold likes surfaces and niches, like camera gear.
Regrets on the bags.
Thank you for this. I have invested so much in my gear that I don't want to risk it over a few bags. Fortunately, like most of us, I have more bags than I need. Fortunately my gear was in two of my favorites that were not affected. Cheers!
Dec 4, 2019 16:27:45 #
jdm wrote:
I recently moved and packed a box full of camera b... (show quote)
That is unfortunate! My Kelly Moore bag is one of my favorites!! All my extra lenses are in it. I know those bags are expensive but the lenses are more so. I don’t think I would risk it!!! Just my 2 cents.
Dec 4, 2019 18:42:16 #
After all the cleaning, put silica gel packets in your bags to absorb moisture. Remember to take them out every few months and dry them out in a microwave or toaster oven...> I use to live in coastal Georgia and I kept my equipment mold free that way. I did lose a few Old Lenses at first but I learned the Silica Gel trick. Cape Cod will be humid 12 months of the year as far as your equipment is concerned.
Dec 4, 2019 20:27:40 #
This happened to me as well. The solution that I found most effective was to stop keeping my cold beer in the same bag with my cameras. My camera gear started smelling better too. I now use one of those beer hats with those long straws
Dec 4, 2019 21:07:06 #
Unfortunately, mold removal and prevention of recurrence can be very difficult in porous and absorbent materials such as leathers, simulated leathers, and cloth as well as padding and linings that we can't even see. Certain cleansers and chemicals that we would ordinarily think would kill mold and mildew, can actually activate it, spread it, make it worse and produce gasses that are harmful to precision equipment and perhaps the photographer if theses are somehow inhaled or contacted. It's difficult, even for experts to advise on a mold removal process without knowing exactly what kind of mold it is.
On non-porous surfaces, I have had good results form a product called "Mold Control" which I used on darkroom sinks and print washers back in the day. Theses chemicals work well on bathtubs, shower enclosures and those nasty places under sinks. Camera bags and gear- NOT ADVISABLE! You don't want to risk any of that stuff infiltrating your camera bodies or lenses, let alone your own body!
On non-porous surfaces, I have had good results form a product called "Mold Control" which I used on darkroom sinks and print washers back in the day. Theses chemicals work well on bathtubs, shower enclosures and those nasty places under sinks. Camera bags and gear- NOT ADVISABLE! You don't want to risk any of that stuff infiltrating your camera bodies or lenses, let alone your own body!
Dec 4, 2019 23:03:57 #
Dec 4, 2019 23:22:37 #
jdm wrote:
I recently moved and packed a box full of camera b... (show quote)
Despite all these Online Experts ...
in your heart you know you gotta
trash it. Don't screw around with
Mother Nature.
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