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  • 1.  Moldy canoe

    Posted 11-03-2023 12:22

    Hello!

     

    Does anyone have experience treating mold in large wooden objects? We have a poorly preserved canoe measuring approximately 10 ft. long that was exposed to moisture during Hurricane Ian. We were unable to access the canoe for some time after the storm, and the mold spread across the surface. I treated the surface with acetone applied using a brush, and I have not seen mold regrowth on the outer surface for a couple of months. However, the canoe still smells very musty, and I suspect the mold is still alive and well on the inner, inaccessible sections of the porous, degraded wood. We also attempted to clean moldy reproduction tools made from organic materials by mechanically cleaning away the surface mold and placing the tools in the freezer. After they were removed from the freezer, the mold continued to grow. Any thoughts or suggestions?

     

    Thank you!

    Jessica Burns

    Head Conservator

    Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research

     

     



  • 2.  RE: Moldy canoe

    Posted 11-08-2023 16:54

    Dear Mrs. Burns, 

    I suggest a professional approach by a conservator. In this case is better to ask for a professional treatment, maybe with the assistance of a microbiologist in order to individuate the best strategy! 

    What I can suggest is to ask for a chemical treatment and a light cleaning of the surface. This two phases will allow you to stop this current attack of mold and remove partially the stains! Then can be a good idea to plan a conservative maintenance to avoid further attacks, or to rethink the place where the canoe is storaged! 

    The freezing methodology that you described is very interesting because it is fundamental for putting in standby the mold attack. Unfortunately this kind of approach is not killing all the mold affectively! This kind of microorganisms have forms of resilience that are surviving long periods of lack of water, extreme temperatures and lack of oxygen! 

    I hope this can help you! 

    Connecting to Collection Care Monitor 

    Best regards, 

    Arianna



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    Arianna Buffagni
    Conservator
    Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent
    Quattro Castella
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  • 3.  RE: Moldy canoe

    Posted 11-08-2023 16:55
    Hi Jessica, 

    Rather than acetone, address any future appearance of surface mold with a 50/50 solution of ethanol and water.  Minimize the amount of saturation by using a spray or mister bottle rather than direct application to the surface.  As for the mustiness, environmental controls and good air circulation will reduce regrowth.  Freezing will only cause the mold to go dormant and will not prevent regrowth. In extreme cases or where archaeological wood cannot be kept in a controlled storage environment, a biocide can be used.  But I would encourage you to explore all non-chemical methods first.  

    Sincerely, 
    Nichole Doub
    Head Conservator
    Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory

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  • 4.  RE: Moldy canoe

    Posted 11-10-2023 17:51
      |   view attached
    Hi Jessica,

    The National Heritage Responders has a good article on the process of removing mold from artifacts. I've attached a PDF of it here. Good luck!

    Kate

     

          

    Katherine Ridgway

    State Archaeological Conservator

    Department of Historic Resources

     

    Email  katherine.ridgway@dhr.virginia.gov

    Phone  804-482-6442

     

    2801 Kensington Ave, Richmond, VA 23221

    www.dhr.virginia.gov

     

     




    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    NHR mold in collections.pdf   70 KB 1 version


  • 5.  RE: Moldy canoe

    Posted 11-13-2023 09:06

    Hi Jessica,

    The canoe probably still has a high moisture content which can be easily measured with an inexpensive moisture meter (Home Depot or a similar store). The high moisture will allow the mold to continue. You can then construct a "microclimate" with a tent of plastic sheeting (sealed as best you can) and place dehumidifiers inside the tent and begin lowering the moisture content to dry out the wood and thus the mold. (see what the current moisture content is and aim for around 14%). Once lowered and the wood is appropriately dried, vacuum with a good HEPA unit (wear a mask always).  But instead of spraying with acetone, use isopropanol.  This is a very simplified suggestion as I do not know everything to know about the situation, and may take a long time, but it may help.

    Craig



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    Craig Deller
    Fellow
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