Mold/mildew on container shipped bamboo

[swiley42]

I recently had a bamboo bed shipped from thailand that showed up w/ a very few minor mold spots (about the size of a Q-tip head). My first instinct was to wipe it off and put the bed together and just go on w/ it. My boyfriend insists that it's dangerous and I need to treat it somehow. I live in Las Vegas, and think that if I leave it in the sun for a day, it should suffice. After reading through several of your strings on this site, quite frankly, I'm a little freaked out. Between the chemists w/ big words, and some references to bugs, etc. I am now worried.
Any ideas? Would pictures help?
Thanks for any direction.

oh, also, would I be able to see the bugs, or should I do something first? it was fumigated (or at least it was stamped as fumigated) upon entry at LA port of entry.

[Mark Meckes]

Hi,
Several years ago someone showed me some bamboo products that they had imported - shipped by container load and they developed a mold/ mildew due to moisture in the container load during transit.
Are these pics similar to what you have.?

http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/550/thumbs/Mold021123-455.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1693) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/550/thumbs/Mold021123-458.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1692) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/550/thumbs/Mold021123-459.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1691)

http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/550/thumbs/Mold021123-460.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1690) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/550/thumbs/Mold021123-461.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1689)

You are welcome to upload pics in your post.

This is not associated with bugs, but to either the product not being fully dried or a high humidity/moisture level trapped in the container load.

In the above case, the person was going to dip the products (chimes) in a germicidal disinfectant solution, (I think he mentioned an Amway product), but in your situation I would suggest cleaning the surface using a household disinfectant suitable for wood products.
This isn't as big a problem as, for example, having a house flooded, or continuous dampness in a home causing mold and mildew problems.
If it is mostly on the surface it should be fairly easily wiped off. End grain parts might leave a stain mark, which could be covered using a paint stain.

One could also give the bamboo a final extra protective coating using a furniture paste wax.

Mark

[swiley42]

Yes, those pictures are very similar, but mine is not nearly as bad as those. Thank you very much for your response. I really appreciate it.

[ddhort]

There is a anti fungal, algaecide that it effective on plants and hard surfaces alike. The folks who run the show are extremely service oriented and will sell direct. The website link is posted below.

http://www.physan.com

Good luck.
David

[Mark Meckes]

Thanks for the link David!
That product certainly has a very wide range of uses!

swiley42, I'm glad to hear your bamboo bed wasn't as bad as those chime pics, which had it inside and out pretty bad.

I mentioned that a paste wax could be used to freshen up the bamboo after cleaning, and of course there are many other types of wood furniture spray wipe and polish products that can also be used.

Cheers,
Mark

[petunialover]

Can one use some diluted Clorine bleach to eliminate the mold or would the good old mold killer-ammonia be best?

PL

[Mark Meckes]

Though both Chlorine and Ammonia are used to 'sanitize' different materials, the important thing is ...
NEVER COMBINE CHLORINE AND AMMONIA as they will produce a very toxic gas

Here is an excellent article:
How to Prevent and Remove Mildew
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HE633

---------

[petunialover]

yes, but will Ammonia clean the mold from from bamboo? permanently, or will it be deep in and come out later?

PL

[Bamboohead]

Hi~ I have recently joined Bamboocraft.net and have been working with Bamboo since 1999. When I cut green bamboo, I use a solution of 1 part clorox to 3 parts water, wash thoroughly (preferably outside to avoid fumes), leave out in sun a few days to dry well. Secondly, just as important is the heat treatment. I have found heat treating does better than anything to kill mold and any insects and to avoid entry later on. I have never seen mold or insects on any of my heat treated bamboo unless it was left in an extremely moist environment. If you purchase green bamboo, you must do these things to insure against mold and insects. Any bamboo used in a moist environment, say the bathroom or kitchen or outside, should be washed with a clorine solution, heat treated and sealed. As far as sealing or protection goes, if the bamboo is DRY, you can use any household product like Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Tung Oil, or can even be sealed with clear spray sealant. If you rub it often enough, Endust or Pledge can also be used. The ones with a mild cleaning agent are good as well. Otherwise, the moisture from the bamboo alone can cause mold. Just remember, any sanding or using any gritty product could ruin your finish.

[CaroleMeckes]

Thanks Bamboohead for your helpful suggestions and wel'culm' to the Bamboo Forums.
Carole

[Scott W]

Very nice suggestions Bamboohead. Should help me alot with some of my upcoming bamboo projects I have planned.