How to Remove Mold from Tweed Hard Case
This article will show you how to remove mold from a Tweed hard Case. This guide will apply to both Fender G&G hard cases and third-party authentic tweed guitar cases. Additionally, if you own a Tweed guitar amplifier, this can also apply.
I have struggled with mold forming on my Fender G&G hard case for the last few years since moving into my current home. I live in a humid and cold environment for a long part of the year. This environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold forming on a Tweed Hard Case.
How to Clean Mold from a Tweed Hard Case
The most effective way to clean mold from a tweed hard case is to use bleach. I found using White King to be the most effective way of removing mold without staining or damaging the hard case in any way. You will 4 things to completely remove mold from your tweed hard case.
- A kitchen counter-top sponge
- White King Bleach
- Rubber Gloves
- Somewhere to let the case dry
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The Process of Cleaning Explained:
I start by adding 1 liter (34oz) of warm water to the kitchen sink. From there, I will add 3-4 cap fulls of White King bleach. You won’t need to add too much bleach so don’t go too crazy with it.
Diluting the bleach ensures that the case will not be damaged or stained once it dries.
Once you have your rubber gloves on, submerge the sponge into the bleach and water mixture.
Ring out the sponge so it’s still wet, but not dripping. Start by dabbing the sponge on the areas of the case that are affected.
If the case is very heavily affected by mold you can simply start wiping the wet sponge along with the case. I would suggest cleaning and re-submerging the sponge after every 12″/30cm or so to keep the solution fresh on the Tweed case.
After each spot you dab the solution on, clean the sponge in the sink and submerge the sponge again. Repeat this process until you have completely cleaned the case on the front, back, and sides.
It is essential to clean the entire case or mold will grow again. There may be spores that are not visible to the naked eye so wipe the entire case down.
Once you have the case cleaned you can use a paper towel to soak up any excess liquid if required.
You can repeat the process if required with less water and more bleach and less water if you feel the need to do a second round. I don’t suggest using 100% bleach in this process because it stinks, and could mark the tweed case.
Where to let the Case Dry?
In my experience, the best place to dry a hard case after cleaning off the mold is in a room with a heater on. This doesn’t mean you need to put the case near the heater but keep it somewhere with some decent/dry airflow. Keep the case out of any damp areas including problematic cupboards, rooms, etc.
Leaving the case to dry completely inside near a window is also a good idea as Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can kill mold and mildew. This isn’t required if the room is well ventilated, but either way, don’t put it in a damp or high-humidity cold room again for a day or two.
Why is my Tweed Case Moldy?
Mold can form on a Tweed hard case or amplifier by initially getting wet or damp. If the humidity is prominent where you live, mold can thrive. My Fender G&G hard case grew mold inside my home where none of the sounding areas (floor or cupboard) had any issues.
The reason mold grew on the Tweed was initially wet and didn’t dry properly. The winter conditions and high humidity contributed to the issue and after 1 month the cases needed cleaning.
How to Prevent Mold from Growing a Guitar Hard Case
There are a few options to help prevent mold from growing on a hard case. The first way is to keep the tweed hard case out of the rain or in any situation where it might be getting wet. If your tweed case gets wet allow it to dry properly before storing it. I’ve started leaving my guitar case in a room with more airflow to dry off properly.
Secondly, using a product like Damp Rid hangers in a cupboard work wonders for moisture. If your storage location or cupboard is the problem, a Damp Rid solution might help.
Thirdly, once you clean off your case with White King, keep it in a well-ventilated area or anywhere that has less-obvious moisture issues.
Signs your Tweed Case is Mouldy or has issues with Moisture
You will usually be able to tell if your tweed case has an issue with mold or mildew. The first sign is that your case locks might be rusty, whereas previously they were not. This can happen in a short amount of time (as little as 1 month).
The second sign is you will see white fuzzy patches of mold growing on the tweed case. This is the lesser of the two problems. The thicker green/blue mold is usually a dead giveaway your case has severe problems. After returning after a 1-month trip away, I had severe white and green old patches all over the top and back of the case. Interestingly, the sides of the cases weren’t as affected.
Thirdly, your guitar might be cold and damp when you take it out of the case. If your guitar looks as if someone had it outside overnight and it’s covered in almost a frost look on the hardware, there’s a definite issue in the room or storage location.
Ways to Avoid Mold and Mildew from your Guitar Case and Instruments
Keep your guitars in a well-ventilated room with lots of airflows. If you find your cupboard is causing issues, move the cases under the bed. Always, clean the entire guitar case using the method above otherwise you will no doubt have mold again in no time. Airflow and UV light will be the best way to stop these problems from occurring long-term.
Gigging musicians should invest in a separate hard case or gig bag. Fender-style guitar
This Guide Works
Getting your tweed hard case looking close to new is possible if you follow this cleaning guide. Whether your case is for a Fender guitar or another brand, this guide will be helpful to keep your case mold-free! For those with un-recoverable cases due to other damage, check out my guitar case guide article.
