cleaning mildew off paper

[mike y]

Is there any way to clean mildew off paper, a friend of mine sent me an arbeitsbuch, and the covers are infested with mildew, and I was wondering if there was anything I could do to clean it?

[bobcam1]

From solinet.net PRESERVATION SERVICES LEAFLET:

"III.B.2.c. Cleaning Books and Paper is appropriate once the mold has
been inactivated. Vacuuming is the most effective way to remove mold
spores from books and paper because it doesn't spread the spores
around. You must use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate
air) filter. Ordinary vacuums should be used outdoors ONLY, their
filters don't trap mold spores, rather they circulate them back into
the air. Vacuum mold from flat paper documents through a screen to
avoid damage. For books use the nozzle or brush attachment covered
with cheesecloth. If needed, residual mold can be wiped from bindings
with dry or slightly damp cloth.

You can also clean mold with a soft bristled brush or clean rag, but
this technique in some instances can cause increased staining. When
wiping off mold, be careful not to brush it into the air indoors or
onto other objects; this can be accomplished by wiping books or papers
off outdoors or under a fume hood. Replace rags frequently and store
used rags in sealed plastic bags until they can be washed in bleach
for re-use. For fragile and rare materials, or if you're unsure about
how to treat an item don't hesitate to consult a conservator. In some
cases it may be necessary to remove active mold which is done through
a technique called aspiration and should be conducted by a trained
conservator."

There is further conservation information at:

http://www.biblio.com/blog/2010/07/i...ew-from-books/

[mike y]

Thanks for the advise Bob, I think i might give it a try

[Michael Fay]

bobcams input is the bible! follow it intensely.
problem is...if you do it frikkin takes alot of time. more steps and precautions in that outline than you think....

Definitly use the soft bristle brush nozzle with the hepa vac. I personally have wood alcohol in a sprayer to disinfect the bristle brush and the outside of the vac after each use.
By the way....KEEP THAT INFECTED BOOK AWAY FROM ALL OTHER PAPER AND CLOTH COLLECTIONS!

This mildewed/moldy book must be quarantined until you fix the problem....
mold and mildew are a sporing plant!!!!! spores shoot out when humid enough and infest everything.

dont just rub it off...the roots will still be there...use the hepa vac.

Finally: this mildew/mold is bad for your health-especially your lungs and brain functions.
Do vacume outside with fresh air ventilation

I sequester such items (until I have time to treat them )in multiple plastic trash bags tied off tight and filled with moth balls (moth balls are bad for you too--but mold seems to hate them also). I store such quarantine bags in the garage so i dont get exposed to the mold/mildew or moth balls anymore than i have to...
and it is next to fresh air outside...