Linen Strop Mold

First, thank you for clicking on this thread. I've searched the forum to find I am not alone in this, but I am unclear about a solution despite previous threads.

Here is my situation:

I live in Costa Rica. There may be something growing on my linen strop. The moisture level has been progressively higher lately. Prior to this, there was what appeared to be something which had rubbed off on the strop, but the past few days it seems to be growing... along with it, are my growing fears that it is not just innocuous smudges.

My first thought was to clean it with alcohol or bleach. Perhaps, since it's a linen strop, I should just start with soap and water? Has anyone had any luck removing mold from a strop?

Containing the humidity is not an option for me at this time. This will be an uphill battle if it really is mold.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,
Damon

Any chance of a picture?

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Originally Posted by Kees

Any chance of a picture?

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Let's see if this works...

It might just be dirt, hard to tell from the picture.

I'd probably scrub it with some detergent and plenty of hot water and a scrub brush and plenty of elbow grease. That should take everything out. if it doesn't then you can try a mild bleach solution or one of those professional type mold and mildew removers.

I'd go with the mold mildew remover and a plastic bristle brush. Even after that I'd throw it in a bucket with cold water and scrub it with Woolite. Let it dry in the sun.

I keep my strops outside of the bath/shower area. Florida gets hot and humid as well but usually running AC to keep it tolerable. :gl:

80% vinegar is very effective on mold. Wash after the vinegar evaporates.

I think step one could just be a few hours of bright sunlight. It can be quite effective at killing mold.

It kind of looks like oil. 3&1 oil. Is it possible you stropped a razor with oil on it ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

80% vinegar is very effective on mold. Wash after the vinegar evaporates.

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Take notice of Oz's advice. I also live in a sub-tropical climate where mould (as we spell it here) is a problem and I can confirm that while bleach makes it disappear, it is vinegar that kills it.

It could be coconut oil, but I never use it on my strop, just my face as a pre-shave. I used to put it on my blade to protect it but haven't for a long time since I noticed no difference without it.