Today I noticed a little fluffy dot on my Earthrise Wheeljack (that probably isn't fungus, cause I can't take it off) and that's made me curious. Can fungus cover TF figures? And if it can, did somebody have this "issue"?
The recent Nacelle figure had a wide-spread mold issue (I didn’t get it on my copy, so YMMV), and some of the Pretenders (the original Dinoforce figures come to mind) do get this icky slimy stuff on their rubber shells, though I don’t know if that counts. Aside from that, it’s very likely a case by case basis, may be related to real life conditions on your end.
This isn't a mystery at this point. The slime on older rubbery parts, which include Monster Pretenders/Dinoforce, as well as the arms of the 1988 Pretender shells (and later ones? Have not handled any '89 ones and am not sure) is leaking plasticizer, the softening component of the plastic. This occurs as they age, which leads to spots of discoloration and a sticky coating. You can keep them and wipe them down as they leak, but take care to wash hands thoroughly and even then the jury is kind of out on the safety of handling liquidized 1980s softening agents with your bare hands so, you know, be advised. But yes, mold can grow on plastics due to other components in them (especially plasticizers, so that actually might be a case where the figures/parts above are also more prone to actual mold), or if stored in conditions that are damp/dirty enough.
I thought that was just a release agent being improperly used on the molds (different kind of mold ) and not anything growing on the plastic. Pulse cancelled my order over the issue, but it was still available on Amazon so I did get one. It had the "issue" but not very bad, and what little I saw just wiped off easy peasy and never came back.
Anyone have any pictures of this happening? I want to know what I am looking for when I am buying a used figure.
Hey all, just weighing in here. I recently had a mold infestation in my home and learned A LOT about fungus, mold, mildew, spores, and how to clean it. More than I ever wanted to really. Thankfully nothing too crazy, but I did discover that Lysol spray disinfectant uses simple and non-caustic ingredients and doesn’t leave much of a residue. If you’re unsure, just mist the questionable area with some spray, wait for it to dry, and wipe off anything that remains with a dry paper towel. Plastic should be okay, but soft rubbery plastic or fabric will be most difficult to clean if it does attract fungus. If you have a large collection in a basement room or that is on shelves, dust regularly, consider investing in a dehumidifier to keep the room below 50% humidity. Otherwise for a simple remedy, you could try a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution to scrub and then dry any affected material. It should also kill most fungus and be mild enough not to damage plastic. Also: To all those who Lysol figures before packing and shipping them, thank you! I can always tell!
