Mildew smell in solid-body electric guitars - how do I get rid of it?

Unpainted, untreated wood is particularly susceptible to mould and mildew, whereas indoor wood surfaces covered with enamel or oil-resin paint are usually resistant. However, outdoors surfaces with softer paints will also grow mould, which will penetrate through the paint into the underlying wood and leave a dirty-looking discolouration. Treat the mould by scrubbing with a mild alkali, such as washing soda or with disinfectants which are all available commercially. Rinse well afterwards with water and make sure it is thoroughly dry before applying a mildew-resistant paint. Badly infected wood may have to be replaced.

As for the "pong" if an area is well-aired and dried, the odour will usually disappear. Vinegar or lemon juice are both good odour removers, as well as scrubbing with a paste made of equal parts baking soda, water and salt. If all else fails there's always Febreeze....Show more

Anything you don't trust in the washer place in a garbage bag filled with a box of baking soda. Shake the bag and allow items to sit for about 15 minutes. The take your vacuum's hose and vacuum the baking soda off. If you can wash the item do so in an old pillowcase. Place your manly stuffed animals inside an old pillowcase and tie a simple knot at the top. This will help the little buggers from getting damaged by the washing machine's agitator. Or take them to the laundromat and use the big barrel washing machines without agitators. Whatever you do don't use warm or hot water! It turns the fur into an ugly mat. Use cold water only. Try some ammonia in the wash cycle and some vinegar in the rinse. Allow to air dry. If you need to store them again, place some dryer sheets inside the box with them. Good luck! :)...Show more

Let it dry under a few sunny days. Polish it with pure alcohol then paint over a layer of transparent oil paint for wood (wood floor paint,dry within 4 hours)....Show more