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Slowing the March of Time:
Preserving and Protecting Items of Personal and Historical Significance
Disaster Recovery
Because Aunt Mable stored her papers in the shed under a leak, it doesn't mean that they are all beyond salvage. The same is true if a recent flood claimed your storage room, or a fire raged through your photo collection. Here we offer some general guidelines, but you might find yourself taking the most important items to a professional conservator:
Water/flood (high humidity):
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Wet items can be very fragile, try not to handle by any surface - edges only.
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Any mud or dirt that accumulates on an object needs to be removed.
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Always use rubber gloves when handling objects because floodwaters can be contaminated.
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If images are blurred, faded or feathered as a result of the water, do not attempt washing.
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While item is still wet, agitate it in a bath of clear water or use fine hose spray to remove excess dirt.
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Fans and dehumidifiers should be used for drying, indoors if possible.
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Never aim airflow directly at air-drying materials, but position for maximum airflow around objects.
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Use blotting material that is clean and absorbent such as blotter paper, unprinted newsprint paper, paper towels, rags, etc.
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Screens that are well supported and stacked with space between them will compact drying surface.
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A porous surface also assists in drying.
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Glossy materials (magazines, paperbacks, photos, art books, etc.) might be given priority. They are likely to stick together when drying.
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Interleave wax paper between each page, dry flat without layers if possible.
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Fan books periodically while drying, interleave paper beyond the edges of the book to wick moisture away - stand on end, open for short periods of time.
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For layers of items, wait until dry to try unfolding/separating.
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Do not wring or twist textiles while wet, gently press with palm of hand only.
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Do not stack wet items deeper than ½" while drying.
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Some conservators suggest freezing to arrest mold growth - while this is fine while awaiting a professional conservator for most items, do not freeze photos or negatives.
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Try to remove framed items from frame to dry - if they appear stuck, do not. Leave on stretcher.
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Shaped objects like baskets and clothing should be supported and shaped as dried - gently pad with toweling, etc. - replace when wet.
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Rinse metal objects immediately if soil removal is necessary and dry with soft cloth (caked mud should be allowed to dry - remove later).
* Items that have come apart place in clearly labeled open containers and contact a professional.
* Sunlight and heat may cause further damage during the drying process.
* Physical distortions may result, but the information/item will be saved.
Copyrighted work - reprinted here with permission.
Free information provided for your research knowledge.
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