Acoustic guitar from a termite and mold infested house?

[JureB]

Our family inherited an old acoustic guitar from a house with bad termite and mold infestations. There’s no evidence of either affecting the guitar itself, as far as I can tell, but we’re concerned about bringing that stuff into our house, particularly mold. Any ideas for reasonable preventive steps? Or additional ways to accurately assess the situation?

Based on recommendations on this website, I’m considering cleaning the insides with the rice and baking soda method. Would that do?

Are there any products that would kill mold spores but not damage the guitar?

I’d appreciate any and all (constructive) ideas!

[Chris Vallillo]

I recall a similar thread on one or another instrument forum. You might search for it here or on Mandolin cafe.  I have had good results in the past with a couple methods.  Of course, test on an inconspicuous spot on the guitar before going all out!

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent mold killer and should be safe for most finishes, particularly the newer ones.  As I recall, the forum also spoke about using a diluted bleach water solution (exact ratio alludes me, but as I recall it was quite weak).  I mixed up a batch and it did a very good job on a vintage parlor guitar I was working on that had significant mold issues.  In that case, the mold and mildew were on the inside of the guitar.  I had to pull the back to fix it so I was able to lightly brush the bleach water solution on and wipe it off with a damp paper towel after it sat a while.

In non instrument situations hydrogen peroxide also is an excellent mold killer but I can't say how it would react to finishes, particularly nitro cellulose of shellac.  

Good luck!