Mildew

jcj54 · July 25, 2018, 05:39 AM

I have a goldenrod in my safe, but I still have a recurring issue with some long guns which develop mildew on buttstocks and leather slings.
Any suggestions would be appreciated

NoSecondBest · July 25, 2018, 12:07 PM

Depending on where you're storing your guns the goldenrod may simply not be enough. It offers a minimal level of protection only. If your guns are in a damp room you'll need to get rid of the humidity with something like a good dehumidifier. These come in different ratings for how much moisture they can remove from the air. You'll need a bigger one and you'll also need to restrict the source of the humidity. If there's standing water in a sump pump, cracked walls, etc. nothing is going to work. If you live near the gulf coast you'll need to shut off the outside air and run the humidifier all the time to keep the air dry. It's got to be really humid where you are to get mildew on the wood and slings.

FrankenMauser · July 25, 2018, 02:11 PM

Dehumidifier.
If your storage location is so humid that you're getting mildew, a golden rod isn't going to work.
Don't forget that dehumidifiers need to be plumbed to a drain, or manually drained regularly.

Alternatives:
Move.
Sell the guns.
Improve your storage location. (By fixing the source of the humidity, or moving the safe.)

T. O'Heir · July 26, 2018, 01:35 PM

Plain white vinegar or bleach mixed with water will clean it off. As mentioned, it's caused by moisture and your Golden Rod isn't up to it. Refinishing the stock with Pure Tung Oil(not Tung Oil Finish) should keep the wet out. Doesn't fix the slings though. Take 'em off and store 'em elsewhere.

July 25, 2018, 05:39 AM	#1
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 218	Mildew I have a goldenrod in my safe, but I still have a recurring issue with some long guns which develop mildew on buttstocks and leather slings. Any suggestions would be appreciated

July 25, 2018, 02:11 PM	#3
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Dehumidifier. If your storage location is so humid that you're getting mildew, a golden rod isn't going to work. Don't forget that dehumidifiers need to be plumbed to a drain, or manually drained regularly. Alternatives: Move. Sell the guns. Improve your storage location. (By fixing the source of the humidity, or moving the safe.) __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

July 26, 2018, 01:35 PM	#4
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Plain white vinegar or bleach mixed with water will clean it off. As mentioned, it's caused by moisture and your Golden Rod isn't up to it. Refinishing the stock with Pure Tung Oil(not Tung Oil Finish) should keep the wet out. Doesn't fix the slings though. Take 'em off and store 'em elsewhere. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

July 25, 2018, 12:07 PM	#2
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	Depending on where you're storing your guns the goldenrod may simply not be enough. It offers a minimal level of protection only. If your guns are in a damp room you'll need to get rid of the humidity with something like a good dehumidifier. These come in different ratings for how much moisture they can remove from the air. You'll need a bigger one and you'll also need to restrict the source of the humidity. If there's standing water in a sump pump, cracked walls, etc. nothing is going to work. If you live near the gulf coast you'll need to shut off the outside air and run the humidifier all the time to keep the air dry. It's got to be really humid where you are to get mildew on the wood and slings.