Mold and Mildew

Sounds like an incredibly simple solution, but have they tried fogging the contents with Lysol before packaging?

If it wouldn't damage the contents, I don't think anyone in the world would have a problem with it.

http://www.lysol.com/cleaning-products/disinfectant-sprays/disinfectant-spray

Some people have developed allergies with Lysol?

(1) use HEPA filtration in the work environment where the product is made/packaged. This should help reduce the number density of mold spores getting into the packages.

(2) nitrogen pack or vacuum pack is right, after a short storage in a dry chamber.

(3) change the packaging to something non-permeable to water vapor.

Good answers. You can't overemphasize the need to store at low humidity for a while. Surface moisture can be stubborn. Once you get something good and dry, then a nice dry atmosphere of nitrogen should help. Some tool makers actually coat new tools in a wax like substance to protect the product at a higher level.

(1) This is a south-east Asia business. Getting them to install HEPA filters AND MAINTAIN THEM would be practically impossible.

(2) How do you vacuum pack a suitcase size package without collapsing it? Nitrogen doesn't buy you much without #3.

(3) agree.

Hi Lyn,

You've hit the proverbial nail on the head ... conditions are not always good, and except for some particular industries, there is zero climate control in the manufacturing areas. There are exceptions for high-end electronics and such where there is bona fide air conditioning (not just cold, but conditioned / regulated) in the manufacturing areas, but rarely for areas such as wood-working, injection-molding and such.

Actually, given the size of the machinery and the level of vacuum, the products I deal with could be packed thus. Sorry if I mislead you. I didn't mean the products were necessarily pliable or empty, but just "suitcase sized" as a frame of size reference.

The last is the most critical, but might be better stated as "cooperation". Good management with good intentions will do whatever is agreed upon, but very often one gets what one gets.

Kind regards ...

Molds and mildew both types of fungus need organic material to live off. Is the product organic in nature and how much moisture does it itself retain? Or is the organic material do to poor maintaining of a clean environment during storage? How much of the growth you see is on the product at packaging? How much mold is on the boxes that they are packaged in? The mold on these boxes interior or exterior? If the box itself is not moldy have them get rid of the bag.

Some libraries use chlorine dioxide packets to control mold and mildew on books. Suppose to be relatively safe for employees to handle. One can be shipped in the bag. You will need to test it to make sure it does no damage to the product.

we do know ozone at safe levels to human inhalation will stop reproduction of mold spores getting in packages, or etc.

~

a wild idea:

cheap charge with a battery-like device (even capacitor-like: acting on ultraviolet (?LED) lighting that is all/ would-be, - inexpensive enough, and - to out survive any such unwanted mold spores in the packages

Mold needs three things to survive:

1. Source of food.

2. Heat.

3. Moisture.

If you kill the mold, but don't remove the spores, they can come back. Mold spores are probably in the air, so after cleaning, you must dry and package quickly.

If you can spray the surfaces with a 10% bleach solution, it will kill the spores. After spraying, wipe the surface and use a soap product to get rid of the residue.

Labor is cheap, so what you need to consider is if your product will be damaged by the bleach solution. 10% is very mild, but works better than higher concentrations.

This does work and we use it all the time when mold rears it's ugly head.

if I'm reading this correctly, you're purchasing products and upon receipt of these products you're detecting mold. I don't see this as a problem on your end. the shipper should be the one seeking solutions!