Henry F. Mildew

[David Ilvedson]

The only problem is you always fine yourself hungry for a salad when your playing the piano...;-]   I'm no authority on what kills mildew except stuff we use in the bathroom probably wouldn't be a good idea...if vinegar does the job with extra stuff...sounds good to me.    Hey, your the chemist...

David I.



----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "John Delmore" <johndelmore@cox.net>
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Received: 9/13/2005 7:17:10 PM
Subject: Henry F. Mildew


>Strictly from a chemistry standpoint, the old standby weak vinegar solution should work.  
>May take more than just one swipe, but the acid should gently remove the mildew, 
>without adding the sufactants from Pine-Sol.  The trouble is going to be KEEPING the 
>mildew gone.  You could instruct your clients in the proper technique to periodically 
>clean the soundboard.  If you have "chemical" friends, there are some things that could 
>be used to permenantly kill the little buggers.  Sodium azide, for one.  Highly effective in 
>extremely dilute solution, so no damage to the finish.  Problem is (of course) it is also 
>extremely toxic, and, in solid form, explosive on contact with heavy metals.  Not for the 
>faint-hearted.  Another option is the ever-present (and daily-ingested) BHT.  You have to 
>use a little more, but it'll work.  Again, it's not going to peel the finish from the 
>soundboard.  Is this enough of a problem, generally, that someone should market 
>certain chemicals specifically!
> to piano techs?

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