Leather vs Mold

my-handyman

July 11, 2015 20:35

Can someone recommend a way to store leather slings, so they do not get white mold on them?? I had 9 leather slings in a medium size shoe box. When I open the box, all slings had mold to one degree or another. I would think hanging them up would be good . But that is not an option for me. Would putting them in a vacuum sealed pouch work?? Are there any Good way to stop the mold????
Thanks for your time and any info!
Vern

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  charliemeyer007

  July 11, 2015 21:39

  Are you putting them away wet? Have you treated them with something? Perhaps clean them with something like ballistol, let them dry in the sun for a few days, then put them in a sealed plastic box with a couple of big oxygen absorbers like for long term food storage and maybe a humidity absorber.
  
  http://www.ballistol.com/

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  nmyers

  July 12, 2015 02:50

  Another problem is moisture in the air. A desiccant will help:
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Hydrosorbent-OSG-40-Dehumidifier-Desiccant-Chloride/dp/B0037Z8K3E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1436697708&sr=8-5&keywords=desiccant
  
  Cardboard shoe boxes are highly acidic, & that doesn't help long term preservation of anything. I'd switch to a plastic box.
  
  Neal

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  perry shooter

  July 12, 2015 03:43

  + one Ballistol

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  He Dog

  July 12, 2015 06:25

  My holster maker recommends saddle soap and water to clean thoroughly using a soft brush. Dry without heat. Treat with a good leather product like Pecards. Storage should be open and hung or open shelved. Vac bag may work with silica jel packs with leather goods.

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  my-handyman

  July 14, 2015 14:55

  Thanks Guy's!! I will be putting these ideal to good use!
  Thanks for asking for the info that I should have put in the question at the very start.
  My basement is Very dry, almost to dry.
  As for putting the slings away wet? No. I may be slow, but I would never put any thing away wet. As for my girl friend....[:p]

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  Sky Soldier

  July 14, 2015 15:43

  Dry leather is like a sponge it takes the moisture out of the air to fill the voids between the leather fibers, mold thrives on that moisture. Replace the water with something mold doesn't grow on: leather conditioner. Periodic application of conditioner on your slings will extend their usefulness. Don't overdo it though as the oils in the conditioner are also a lubricant and weaken the leather fibers grips on one another.
  
  Best,
  
  SS

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  Hawk Carse

  July 14, 2015 18:03

  Libraries used to wipe down their leather bound books with a cloth dampened in copper sulfate solution.

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