I need some help. I have a straightforward (and solvable I hope) problem regarding cedar wood.
I was recently given a used humidor made of better quality Spanish cedar wood. It looks like it was a pretty fine humidor when new. The humidifier (the sponge inside that creates the humidity) was not well cared for – it’s decayed beyond use into a rotten fetid mildewy mess. The stench was awful. It is easily replaceable.
The problem, however, is that the cedar wood interior of the box absorbed this foul and mildewy stench from the rotten humidifier. I wiped down the interior thoroughly with distilled water and have since left the box open to air out, and it had improved dramatically. However, I wiped it down again and the wetness brought out the mildewy smell again, mostly from the bottom of the box (the sides seemed pretty good).
I want to save this humidor if I can. Basically, how I can get the mildewy odor out of the cedar wood for good? Is the cedar interior of this humidor rehabilitatable, can it be nursed back to health?
Your help would be greatly appreciated!
HRS
Replies
HRS,
Cedar can be revitalized with a light sanding (220 grit). Normally the mold and fungus that causes the mildew smell is gotten rid of with a mixture of bleach and water. But, this might damage the cedar or discolor it.
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, so the second application of distilled water may have re-energized them. Let the box air out in a warm, dry place with lots of natural light.
Full spectrum florescent lights are used to kill bacteria in water. There are many indoor pools that don't use chlorine, and instead filter the water across a series of sealed florescent lights to keep the water clean.
If you have a florescent light, put the box under the light for a few hours. Full spectrum bulbs can be found at any Home Depot or Lowes, along with cheap plug in fixtures as well.
Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.
Dan, you're a star. Thanks for the help. You are right that bleach could be dangerous in this case, so I'm not going to try it.
First (and if you already know this, forgive me), at some point, in order to use this box as a humidor to store cigars, I will need to reintroduce moisture and humidity (about 70% relative humidity, which is pretty tropical). Are you saying that the full spectrum light method that you described will actually *kill* the mold and mildew so that reintroducing moisture afterwards will not re-energized them?
Second, is a full spectrum florescent bulb a specialty item or is the 2-foot florescent tube in my closet likely a full spectrum bulb? (If I have to get one at Home Depot, I will if it means the difference between saving the humidor or throwing it out.)
Third, I know that fine sanding cedar can revitalize it, but will it also help get rid of/kill the mildew such that the smell won't come back if the wood is thereafter rehumidified?
Harry Silvera
Not only would bleach be detrimental to the healt of the wood, and perhaps you as well, I'd shudder to think about storing my prized puros in an environment that had been soaked in chorine! (grin)
Don't have any anwers to your problem but I certainly sympathize with you on wanting to save the humidor.
Good luck.....
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Harry,
The answer to your first question is - yes, the mold and mildew will be killed off if the box is left open in a warm and dry location under the full spectrum light. Sand the box only after it has been given ample time to dry out and the lighting has taken full effect. (After sanding, you might want to throw it under the light again for good measure.)
The full spectrum florescent bulb isn't a specialty item. You'll find them at Home Depot along side the other bulbs in the lighting section. They are meant to simulate noonday summer sunshine. They're used in places where true color representations are paramount (e.g. the finishing area of a shop), or were natural sunlight is at a minimum. GE makes one called the GE Sunshine Full Spectrum Light.
The 2 foot light in your closet may be a full spectrum bulb, you'll have to read the label printed on it. For this to work the bulb will have to be uncovered and the box placed (approx.) three feet away.
A 2' florescent fixture, with out a bulb starts at ~$8 at HD. Add a full spectrum bulb, and you'll spend around $15 for everything. (2' is just an example - smaller units will work just fine.) Or just switch out the bulb in your closet and uncover the fixture.
If you buy a fixture, when you're done with the humidor, put in in your shop, or use it to help house plants thrive through the cold winter months.
Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.
HRS,
You can try just setting the humidor out in the sun (open, of course). Direct sunlight will also kill various nasties.
If the smell remains after sterilization, try some baking soda. Put the powder in the box and shake it around a bit, so it gets everywhere. If you remember, every time you walk by give the box another shake. Leave it in for a day or so; you can always try it again. Afterwards you'll have to carefully vacuum the box to get out all of the powder. I used baking soda to get a musty odor out of an old blanket chest: it worked.
Alan
soak in a dilute solution of TSP (ie. trisodium phosphate) for 10min. , then rinse throughly, and dry for several days in the sun.
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