Mold on hackle skins

[auriemma]

I have been taking the fly tying lessons at LLBean and having fun with it but, never got around to buying a kit. Well over the weekend I scored an entire kit from a CL listing for $30. All the basic tools, materials and big 4 drawer Plano box.

Problem is when I got it home, I noticed a musty smell. In brighter light, I could see many of the bags the materials are in had mold on and in them. I immediately rebagged everything and cleaned out the box.

My question is... Is there a way to kill the mold on the skins? Its not really bad, but enough to still carry an odor. The furs and feathers look clean and in great shape.

 

[Dcap240]

I can't tell you from experience but I was told by someone knowledgable at a fly shop that mold on feathers is no bueno. He said to toss them right away and clean and rebag everything else. I don't remember exactly but I think he said it could be some kind of mites. But wait to hear from someone else who knows for sure before throwing away good hackles. Maybe if its just a little bit you can pick off the contaminated feathers and clean the rest.

 

[Dcap240]

Or maybe you can pluck the good feathers and toss the skin. Sorry I didn't see that you said skin the first time. But either way tools and storage for $30 is still a good deal.

 

[FrequentTyer]

It is hard to know without seeing the skins, but I would try washing in hot water with plenty of dish detergent. Rub the soap in and make sure you get everything clean. Then rinse until the water runs clear. Dry with a hairdryer, and store In a new clean bag but not until very dry. I would recommend this even if you plan to pluck the skins to limit any contamination of the feathers.
Good luck,
Mike.

 

[Chaz]

You can probably nuke the materials, but don't re-use the bags. If you re-use the bags you re-introduce the mold.

 

[whheff]

FrequentTyer wrote:
It is hard to know without seeing the skins, but I would try washing in hot water with plenty of dish detergent. Rub the soap in and make sure you get everything clean. Then rinse until the water runs clear. Dry with a hairdryer, and store In a new clean bag but not until very dry. I would recommend this even if you plan to pluck the skins to limit any contamination of the feathers.
Good luck,
Mike.

I would also recommend that you rub Borax into the skins to help keep them dry.

 

[osprey]

auriemma........i'm still sitting laughing at that avatar oh man now that's funny!!!!