Can mildew or mold be removed from cases?

[Paperbackstash]

I have an ongoing, irritating problem. With my Oasis it is not as issue since I use a tablet sleeve and not a case, but with both my Paperwhites, I keep them in cases and prefer reading them in cases. They cannot be left out of a case because of cats and risk of damage, or carrying them in purse or bags without scratching or damaging the screen. Also, I just really like the cases - I have selected colors and artwork carefully over the years and now have had to throw out several of them.

The inside of the covers keeps developing mildew and mold. The outside, and back, are always fine. I take the paperwhites out and clean them and the screen, and dry carefully. I cannot keep throwing away these cases and buying new ones, and some of my favorite cases with this issue cannot be replaced since the artwork is no longer sold.

I have used Lysol wipes, water, other cleaners....but the stains of the mildew/mold keep remaining. Is there a way to get this off?

I swear this is a "me" problem, I don't see others complaining about this. This has happened to five or six cases.

Any advice? It is...gross. And can be embarrassing.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Paperbackstash

I swear this is a "me" problem, I don't see others complaining about this. This has happened to five or six cases.

Depends on the climate. Mildew is not often a problem in my country with its relatively short summers and central heating in winter. Central Florida, now...

Sorry, I don't have any advice for you. I've cleaned mildew off corners years ago, but not from small items.

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Depends on the climate. Mildew is not often a problem in my country with its relatively short summers and central heating in winter. Central Florida, now...

Sorry, I don't have any advice for you. I've cleaned mildew off corners years ago, but not from small items.

Thank you for weighing in. I know how to remove mild and mildew from pillow (or toss them), my shoes, the walls and ceiling when it pops up here with the high humidity, but this case thing is stumping me. I didn't want to randomly purchase cleaners that may not work or that may damage the cases. I know some mildew/mold cleaners can be harsh. I've cleaned it, but the white spots are not all coming up. *shudders*

[Dr. Drib]

I have the same problem here in Peru. This is a country where individuals basically have no central air/heat, except for the (few) wealthy individuals, or large concerns such as banks and LARGE shopping centers (Jockey Plaza, for example).

I eventually had to throw away my Kobo cover, and then a bit later my much older cover for my Kindle Fire. I tried everything over those troublesome 2-3 years, but it kept growing back. It finally got so horrible that I said the hell with it.

HUMOR ALERT!

The mold is finally growing toward my scrotum, at which point I may have to engage in surgery. I'm sharpening the knives as I write. The pain should be exquisite...but the mold will be gone...

[Gandulf]

Try using white vinegar.

[Quoth]

Milton.
But it will come back if damp.
Why do you think Ireland has forty shades of green? Though most mold is black.

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I have the same problem here in Peru. This is a country where individuals basically have no central air/heat, except for the (few) wealthy individuals, or large concerns such as banks and LARGE shopping centers (Jockey Plaza, for example).

I eventually had to throw away my Kobo cover, and then a bit later my much older cover for my Kindle Fire. I tried everything over those troublesome 2-3 years, but it kept growing back. It finally got so horrible that I said the hell with it.

HUMOR ALERT!

The mold is finally growing toward my scrotum, at which point I may have to engage in surgery. I'm sharpening the knives as I write. The pain should be exquisite...but the mold will be gone...

Sounds like your mold problem is more concerning than mine lol -- good luck on the surgery

I don't have central air here in Florida either, just window AC units, so I'm sure that's my issue. That is discouraging on your cases though, sorry you had to give up and toss them. I am going to try a few more things but it may come to a point where I'll just have to live with moldy cases or no cases.

You'd think there would be a way when making these materials to put some kind of mold resistance in the inside.

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by Gandulf

Try using white vinegar.

I was going to try some white vinegar and water mixture tonight. Was reading on that last night. I think I have done regular vinegar but doesn't hurt to try again.

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Milton.
But it will come back if damp.
Why do you think Ireland has forty shades of green? Though most mold is black.

Ireland is my #1 wishlist for a place to visit.

I'm sure the humidity with the rain there can be intense.

I have some dark or black mold in the past but the Kindle cases are mainly white, more like mildew. It gets on the kindle itself and turns into a powder I have to brush off before wiping down. It's from the inside of the case developing it and rubbing off on the device apparently. But the stains are light in grays and whites, so I'm not sure what type of growth it is, but it's on all the cases.

I haven't heard of Milton, I'll look it up. I get the issue may keep returning, but if I can at least clean it where the mildew is removed for the time being, that will help.

[Paperbackstash]

I can see loaning someone a paperwhite or showing them something on there, and having to warn them to mind the molds first I had to do that with my mother a few weeks ago. Thankfully she is not a germophobe or squeamish.

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by Paperbackstash

I was going to try some white vinegar and water mixture tonight. Was reading on that last night. I think I have done regular vinegar but doesn't hurt to try again.

Vinegar and water works great on my coffee maker, but I detest the smell of vinegar so I never tried it on my covers.

Even my CDs are getting mold on them.

I always used alcohol. It worked, but the mold would grow back.

[Gandulf]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

Vinegar and water works great on my coffee maker, but I detest the smell of vinegar so I never tried it on my covers.

And a drop of your favourite smelling essential oils.

[ilovejedd]

Maybe get a room dehumidifier?

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

Maybe get a room dehumidifier?

I have one in my bedroom, but unfortunately the issue of humidity cannot be completely removed here in my house with dehumidifiers. They help a bit, but I don't think would keep preventing this issue. Would be nice!

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

Vinegar and water works great on my coffee maker, but I detest the smell of vinegar so I never tried it on my covers.

Even my CDs are getting mold on them.

I always used alcohol. It worked, but the mold would grow back.

I've tried alcohol but it didn't remove the spots completely.

I agree with you on truly hating the smell of vinegar.