Moldy Camera Case? Here's How To Remove It

If you've discovered mould in your camera case, don't panic – there are several ways to remove it. Firstly, it's important to establish whether the mould is on the exterior or interior of the case, and whether the case is made from leather, vinyl or another material, as this will determine the best method of removal. One option is to use a cloth dampened with vinegar to wipe down the case. Alternatively, you could try a diluted bleach solution, or a specialist product like Lysol. If the case is leather, you could try a leather cleaner, or a mixture of water and Dettol or Savlon. To prevent mould from returning, it's a good idea to store your camera case with silica gel packets inside, and to only store your equipment in a well-ventilated, dry space.

Bleach

If your camera case is made of a nonporous material, you can use the following steps to remove mold:

Steps to Remove Mold from a Nonporous Camera Case with Bleach:

• Open doors and windows for ventilation, or turn on a window fan. Proper ventilation is crucial when working with bleach.
• Put on protective gear, such as gloves, a mask, eye goggles, and old clothes. Bleach can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, so it is important to take these precautions.
• Mix one cup of bleach into one gallon of water. This solution will be used to eliminate the mold.
• Pour the bleach and water mixture into a spray bottle. This will allow for easy and controlled application.
• Spray the mixture onto the moldy areas of the camera case. Ensure that you thoroughly cover all the affected areas.
• Allow the solution to set in and penetrate the surface. This step is crucial, as it gives the bleach time to work on the mold.
• If the camera case's surface is rough, use a stiff brush to scrub the moldy areas gently. This will help dislodge any remaining mold spores.
• Rinse the camera case with clean water to remove any residual bleach and mold.
• Allow the camera case to air dry completely before using it again.
• Dispose of any sponges or cloths used in the cleaning process. Do not reuse them to avoid the spread of mold spores.

Important Precautions when Using Bleach:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning solutions/detergents containing ammonia. This combination produces toxic chlorine gas, which can be extremely dangerous if inhaled.
• Always use gloves when handling bleach, even when it is diluted. Rinse your skin immediately if bleach comes into contact with it.
• Dead mold can still cause allergic reactions, so ensure that you thoroughly remove all traces of mold from the surface.

While bleach is effective on nonporous surfaces, it is not suitable for porous materials. If your camera case is made of leather or another porous material, using bleach may damage the surface. In this case, you may want to consider alternative cleaning methods or consult a professional for advice.

Vinegar

To use vinegar to remove mould, create a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. Apply this to the mouldy areas of the camera case. After cleaning, dry the camera under a warm lamp with a small fan blowing warm air into the body to ensure any drops of vinegar evaporate.

The camera case will smell like vinegar for a few days, but this will fade over time. To speed up the process, you can place the camera case in a well-ventilated area.

In addition to removing mould, vinegar can also be used to remove musty smells from camera cases. To do this, mix vinegar with water and vaporise it in a microwave. Turn off the microwave, let it cool down, and place the camera case inside for 5-10 minutes. Ensure you follow safety precautions as vinegar is acetic acid, and this technique is questionable.

Another method for removing smells is to soak the camera case in a bowl of vinegar for one hour.

Air it out

To remove mould from your camera case, airing it out is a good first step. The sun's rays kill fungi, so place your camera case in direct sunlight for 15-20 minutes. This will kill the mould and prevent spores from growing.

If you are unable to place your camera case in direct sunlight, you can also leave it in a well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. This will allow the case to "breathe" and air out.

To prevent mould from returning, ensure your camera case is stored in a dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid storing it in damp areas, such as basements, and consider using silica gel packets to absorb any moisture.

Soak in water and disinfectant

Soak the camera case in a solution of disinfectant and water to remove mould. This method is best for camera cases made from materials like polyester, which won't be affected too much by the solution.

Firstly, prepare the solution by mixing disinfectant with water. For example, you could use a 1:1 mixture of water and Dettol, or a solution of diluted bleach.

Next, fully submerge the camera case in the solution and leave it to soak for at least a day. You can use a bucket or a large basin for this.

After soaking, carefully rinse the case with water and leave it to dry in the sun. The sun will help to kill any remaining mould spores.

This method is effective at killing mould, but it may leave a smell on the case. To get rid of the smell, try placing the case in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few days.

Use a leather cleaner

If your camera case is made of leather, you can use a leather cleaner to remove mould. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Leather Cleaner

Before you start, gather your supplies: a leather cleaner (or a mild soap) , a sponge or soft cloth, a soft-bristled brush, and a leather conditioner. It's important to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous part of the leather first to avoid any damage or discolouration.

Step 2: Remove Loose Mould

Take your camera case outside and use the soft-bristled brush to gently brush off any loose mould from the leather surface. This will help prevent mould spores from spreading to other areas.

Step 3: Apply the Leather Cleaner

Combine equal amounts of water, leather cleanser, and mild soap. Dampen your sponge or soft cloth with this solution and gently wipe down the leather surface. Be careful not to soak the leather, as this could cause damage.

Step 4: Treat Stubborn Mould

If you're dealing with stubborn or resistant mould, create a solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar. Use a microfiber cloth to rub this solution into the leather surface and wait a few minutes before wiping it away. Both rubbing alcohol and vinegar are effective at killing mildew and mould.

Step 5: Dry the Camera Case

Once you've finished cleaning, gently pat the camera case dry with a soft cloth. Then, let it air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this could dry out the leather and cause cracking.

Step 6: Condition the Leather

After the camera case is dry, apply a leather conditioner to its surface. This will help protect the leather from future mould growth and restore moisture to the material.

Additional Tips:

• Always test cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid discolouration or damage.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling mould spores.
• Regularly condition and clean your leather products to prevent mould growth.
• Store leather items in a cool, dry place with good air circulation to inhibit mould.

Frequently asked questions