Thread: Mold in my stones

You could try putting it in the microwave for a minute or two and then wipe the dead spores off with vinegar.

As the post below says, it may be risky.

If there's any water trapped in the stone, it will explode in the microwave, like potatoes.

Originally Posted by outback

If there's any water trapped in the stone, it will explode in the microwave, like potatoes.

How do you know this?

I hadn't considered that. May not be a good idea then.

Guessing that you can see this mold growing on you stones? What about a serious lapping, then a soak in bleach water, soak in clean water changed once, dry for a day or so, then lap again to flatten to be sure the bleach didnt damage the finish.

I find these binder/chemical compatibility discussions interesting.

A couple of years ago Ozarkedger gave a great demo on barber shear honing at Howard Clark's meet in De Moine. Everyone was surprised when we found out that he cleaned his Naniwa Superstones with Dawn daily. Randy looked down right shocked. I've still never put anything on my Naniwas but water and steel.

I never soak my fine stones only my coarse <4k and that's for 15 minutes max. Never any issue. I never soak naturals at all...YMMV

I don't get how a cnat could get mold on it. Unless it's stored in a terrarium.

Is the mold actually detrimental to the honing process?

Anyone know.what the grit rating is for mold? Lol. The mold is caused by too much moisture. And that may affect some stones binders. Never had that issue ever. But I use spray and hone synths and I don't ever get my natural stones wetter than they need to be.