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9 June 2018 - Your Feet Stank!

Guard Shoes and Other Leather from Mildew

 "To remove mildew from shoes and other leather goods, wipe a cloth wrung out in dilute alcohol (1 cup denatured or rubbing alcohol to 1 cup water). Dry in a current of air."


We have talked about mildew before in this March Post and again in this May Post.

So if you remember or just read those posts, we know that mildew is a type of fungus.
It's mold.
It grows great in areas that have low or no air flow.
Spaces that hold humidity.
Spaces like your closets.

Our Almanac suggests using "Wax Dressing".
Using this special wax can prevent moisture and mold from ruining your leather goods.
You should read the labels to make sure it is the correct wax for clothing.

Here is my favorite part of this book from the 70's.
The Almanac suggests using wax dressing that contains fungicide such as hexachlorophene or paranitrophenol.

Now, with my research, I have found that hexachlorophene is a banned substance.
The U.S. banned this in 1972.
I guess our almanac didn't get the memo.

The reason for the ban and removal from markets in the U.S. and Europe was due to the deaths of 15 Americans and 39 Europeans from brain damage due to exposure to hexachlorophene.

This fungicide was commonly used in soap and manufacturers had to change their formulas.

Paranitrophenol is now known as P or 4-Nitrophenol.
It is used in insecticides and fungicides still today.
It is toxic so please be careful around this compound!

The good news is that today you can find all natural wax dressing on the market today.
From the other posts I have done on this, you can prevent mildew by airing out your clothing and rotating, cleaning your closets more often.

If you are unsuccessful in fighting mildew our Almanac suggest that along with cleaning your shoes with diluted alcohol you can use formaldehyde!

Just Google formaldehyde and the first search page will show things like Cancer, Toxic, Banned.

In the 70's you could evidently go to the drug store for some.
During this time, formaldehyde was used in a lot of building materials.
So along with Lead Paint, you could also check an old home for toxic insulation.

This is why "Organic" and "All Natural" is so popular.
At this point I just want to like in a mud hut.

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