Ahhahah!...Mildew!

[Andy Griffith]

Why does everything seem to happen to me?!?!?

I checked on a Bianchi 5BHL that I had stored up...

It had mildew all over it?!?!

I thought I stored it in a nice dry, safe place, but I guess I didn't.

Use a very mild, Clorox solution and warm water to get it off, right?
Then dry well and use a little holster wax.

Is that the correct formula?
​

 

[Hook686]

If you value your holster, why post here rather than email Bianchi ?

 

[mkk41]

I have several Bianchi 5BHL , suede-lined holsters. I used a good grade of silicone spray ( the kind for waterproofing tents) and heavily spray the lining. Silicone repels moisture and the more silicone it absorbs , the less moisture it will absorb. The outside gets a stuff called Sno-Pruf , kinda like mink oil.

 

[flop-shank]

If you value your holster, why post here rather than email Bianchi ?

There are holster makers on this forum. By asking here, we all get the advice of an experienced holster maker.

 

[BarbC]

Why does everything seem to happen to me?!?!?

Because you only notice when it happens to you.

Get thee to a tack store and pick up a good mild leather cleaner, like Leather Therapy (http://www.leathertherapy.com/ ). Brush as much of the dry mildew off the leather first, and then clean the leather with a damp sponge, not soaking wet, and let it dry.

I've never had a moldy holster, but I have had lots of tack.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Mold and mildew can occur on any leather article that has been subjected to moisture. I always recommend storing holsters separately from firearms, as any leather item has a tendency to absorb and hold moisture. Leather items need to be stored in an area allowing good air flow to wick away any residual moisture.

From the way you have described the condition of your holster, I expect that even after a thorough cleaning there will be staining that will be permanent.

I would avoid the use of bleach. I suggest scrubbing the holster surfaces with a rag dampened with soapy water (dish soap will work), then allowing it to thoroughly dry (several days time in an area with good air flow), followed by an application of saddle soap strongly rubbed into the surface then buffed off. This will be as good as anything for correcting the damage as much as possible.

Best regards.

 

[mississippi revolverman]

Very good advice Lobo. That is what I did a while back and worked great for me. Always to get advice from the "expert"