Thanks Pam,
I was not thinking about that. Certainly we should all protect ourselves
from the spores and any chemicals.
I am personally quite allergic to a number of mold varieties, so I
generally know when it is around before I see it.
Mold can grow on practically any surface. Cellulose makes a much better
growth medium for some, but it is not required for all types. The only way
to prevent it completely is to not provide the environment for it to grow.
Spores are everywhere, and can not be kept off objects or out of any given
space where we go on a regular basis. Give them the warmth and moisture and
it will grow.
I'll wager there is a best methodology for each mold/material combination
that would remove the mold and do the least damage. Personally, for a
non-collection set of computer speakers, I would probably go with a little
Lysol first, a toothbrush for abrasion, and a good rubbing alcohol
wipedown. Then a little time in the sun for good measure. Then do not put
them back in the same microenvironment. The sun will not kill the spores,
but it does have negative effects on live mold rhizomes(I think they are
called).
I do not honestly know if it is worse/better to clean dry or wet, in terms
of removing the obvious mold. You are right that it is capable of spreading
through spores in both states. I would suspect there would be some
suppressive benefit to cleaning it wet. My thinking being that wet spores
will not travel as easily. Museum objects that are infested will wait for a
conservator.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Pamela Silvestri
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Re: Cleaning mold off Compact Discs
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Mark,
I too have had problems with mold growth - not on my CD's but on my stereo
(plastic) speakers...perhaps there is a cellulose component in the plastic
or cellulose-based coating on them? Regardless, I was surprised to see this
mold, but what I was wondering is if it is better to clean off mold that
has 'dried' first? It is my understanding that even if dry, there can still
be active mold spores too?
I'm not sure if it matters what kind of mold is being cleaned off, and in
relation to the type of material the object is made of? What do you think?
It has been a real challenge for me to deal with and control mildew and
mold both at home and the museum where I work. I still have a lot to learn
but I would have to say that taking precautions (gloves, masks) while
cleaning it is very important.
The CDC still claims that 'black mold' is relatively harmless - but they do
advocate all the precautions. So I want to advocate the same here too along
with the methods, etc., that you and others are suggesting for cleaning
the CD's.
Pam
In a message dated 9/20/2005 10:17:59 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
George,
CDs and DVDs are dye based technology. Even though the dyes are generally
sealed under the reflective layer, I would think bleach is a very high
risk. There are several types of cleaning solutions that are safe, which
can be acquired at your local computer store/Radio Shack/etc.
The acrylic media of the disks should not be a good medium for mold
growth,
and I suspect it will wipe off adequately. You should not need anything
harsh to keep it from coming back, as long as the storage environment is
upgraded. I would use a soft antistatic cloth, microfiber cloth or lens
paper, and wipe the mold off. Only use an approved solution if it does not
come off relatively easily. Never use a solvent or abrasive on any digital
media. There is no faster way to lose your data, other than breaking the
disk of course. I believe the manufacturers recommend not wiping in a
radial pattern, but rather with the grooves in the disk.
I'd be interested to know how it works out, and if the disks still play
after being moldified.(yes, I know that is not a real word)
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Pamela Silvestri, Museum Assistant
Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Shenipsit State Forest
166 Chestnut Hill Road
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
(860) 684-3430
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