Question about wood stocks--mold?

[TXRanchMedic]

A friend of mine has what looks like mold dust on some of his wood stocks, and we can't figure out why. It's little spots on wood stocks, and wipes off easily. This is new this season. Suggestions? He uses Birches stock conditioner. Bad batch?

 

[M. Sage]

What's in the conditioner? Most stocks don't need a "conditioner" applied to them. What kind of finish do the stocks have, anyway? Most stock finishes resist mold just fine on their own with no need to add anything. You're either going to have some kind of varnish or an oil finish on your rifle stocks. Either will be good to go.

Look at his storage conditions, too. Extremely humid conditions can cause problems. Fix the environmental conditions if needed, and ditch the snake oil stock treatment.

IMO if it keeps doing this, give the stock a good soap and water cleaning, get it dry (don't heat it to dry it) and then rub on some more of whatever it's finished in. If it's an oiled finish, tung oil is probably better than linseed at resisting mildew and mold.

 

[robin303]

Bleach

 

[TXRanchMedic]

Thanks for the advise. I'll pass the information on to him.

 

[Texasjack]

Bleach?! No! A little vinegar will do the trick.

Moisture is the culprit, but there is no doubt other mold in the area where he keeps his guns. Clean it out and then keep it dry.