Last week, we started a discussion
related to the challenges of mold and mildew growing on antique wooden
vehicles. This week, we’ll take a closer
look at what is not only an important vehicle preservation issue but also a caution for potential health concerns.
With that brief introduction, how do we
both avoid and correct issues related to mildew and mold. First, keep an eye on the humidity where your vehicle is stored. Experts often
say that a 35-50% level is a good target.
However, those lower volumes can sometimes be difficult to achieve. The reality is that any storage atmosphere
with humidity amounts consistently over 65-70% is an invitation for trouble. So, at a minimum, it’s important to work at keeping the indoor humidity below that range.
Using dehumidifiers can be very helpful in these efforts. You can typically find them in a number of
stores like Wal-Mart, Lowes,
Orscheln, Murdoch’s, Amazon.com, and
others. Some dehumidifiers are also
paired with portable AC units. It’s a
good combination for the battle since warmer temperatures can also ratchet up
the reproductive tendencies of mold and mildew.
While cooler temperatures don’t necessarily stop mold growth, cool air tends to hold less moisture than warm air. As a
result, cooler temps can help minimize the moisture content necessary for mold
to grow. Keeping indoor temps stable, without broad fluctuations, is also important.
When it comes to the overall air
quality, a general lack of airflow can actually encourage the growth of
fungi. By using indoor fans (not fans
pulling in outdoor air) to help keep good air circulation in a building, the
environment can be kept drier while mold spores have less of a chance to settle
and form colonies. It’s also advisable
for air conditioning units to be of the proper size as oversized systems may
help deliver excess moisture. Likewise,
it’s important to be mindful of surplus water from other sources. In other words, if a building has a leak, a
bucket may provide an immediate answer but, for many reasons, it’s a situation
that needs to be promptly corrected.
Should you find mold and/or mildew on a
vehicle, there are several points to consider.
First, let’s talk about a few of the ‘do–nots.’
Do not take a rag and merely wipe the spores from the affected
areas. It may look like the problem is
gone but, essentially, all you’re doing is loosening and spreading the spores. Not only will this help transfer the problem
to even more areas on the vehicle but it’s going to send countless microscopic critters
into the air and, possibly, directly into the respiratory system of you and
others. Similarly, do not attempt to
clean any vehicle without the proper protective clothing, eye wear, gloves, and
respiratory gear. Do not engage in any
cleaning process without ensuring that you’re containing and not spreading the
spores. Do not clean mold from a piece
only to continually subject it to the same environment – or nutrients like
linseed oil within that environment.
Those elements are only perpetuating the mold growth you’re fighting. If you're intent on managing the
circumstances yourself, make sure you do sufficient research and preparation on
proper procedures prior to taking on the task.
When it comes to removing mold and
mildew as seen in the photos from last week’s blog, I’ve had good success using
common household cleaners like a mixture of dish washing soap and water or
vinegar and water – or both. Allowing
the piece to dry in the sun afterward can also help neutralize any possible
leftover spores. If you’re doing this
outside in a yard, it’s worth mentioning that the vinegar will likely kill any grass it
comes in contact with. Consider yourself
duly warned in case your spouse asks what caused that big dead spot!
Ultimately, this is a subject with more
depth than can be focused on in a brief blog and, it’s worth your time to
become more aware of the issue. From
excess humidity levels and insufficient air flow to warmer temps and available
nutrient sources, there are a number of things that can quietly promote harmful
mold growth. So, before you take off in
search of the next vehicle to join all of your other treasures, take a
closer look inside your warehouse, shed, shop, barn, or garage. Mold spores can be hiding where you least
expect them and they’re definitely not on the list of what you want to be collecting.
Please Note: As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved. The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives, LLC
Please Note: As with each of our blog writings, all imagery and text is copyrighted with All Rights Reserved. The material may not be broadcast, published, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written permission from David E. Sneed, Wheels That Won The West® Archives, LLC
