The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Whenever I find some moldy wax cylinders in a lot I've just bought, I throw them away and keep the cases, thinking I may re-use them with other wax cylinders that I found without cases. However, I've always been reluctant to do so for fear of spreading mold to unsullied records. I recently read somewhere (I think it was someone's comment on a Facebook post) that mold in old cases is already "dead" and cannot spread to other cylinders. Is this true? If it isn't, and mold can indeed be spread to a clean cylinder from an "infected" case, is there anything one can do to "fumigate" the case? Apologies if this matter has been addressed here before, but I searched and couldn't find anything. Thanks!

I read that what appears to be mold is actually a chemical reaction within the mix used to make the cylinder, and not a result of spore growth. I never saw any chemical analysis that supports that, though. I reutilize empty boxes, cleaning them with a toothbrush and a small vacuum cleaner. I never say any growth of the white stuff in the cylinders that I put in these boxes, but my sample is small.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rnq832 ... ollections.

John Levin and Don Wilson talk about the "mold". They found it mostly an organic chemical reaction. They found numerous types, one of which actually reversible.

rbuck wrote: Mon Jul 28, 2025 6:30 am https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rnq832 ... ollections.

John Levin and Don Wilson talk about the "mold". They found it mostly an organic chemical reaction. They found numerous types, one of which actually reversible.

Very interesting! it is the first time I see results of actual research on the topic. I hope the authors proceeded with their research, which at the time of the presentation was still in progress. The use of an adapted ultrasound machine to remove the spots was quite effective as well, judging from the sound clips.

Thanks for the link, but unfortunately the video does not address my question about whether or not empty cases need to be cleaned, and if so, what is the best way to do so. If you have any thoughts and/or experience with this matter, please weigh in!