Drying Procedures For Collections That Went Through Water Damage In Washington

By Author: Leo Nov
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The Library of Congress has issued special guidelines in the preservation of collections that went through water damage in Washington. These are methods that it has used in the care of its collections and are considered suitable by the Library.

When salvaging items from a flood or similar situation, wear protective, latex gloves and long sleeved shirts as a protective measure. If mold is present, make sure to wear a respirator because some mold species are toxic. If any health effects are observed such as dizziness or nausea, contact a doctor. When cleaning items contaminated with dry mold, make sure the mold spores are drawn way from you through the use of vacuum cleaner. Make sure to wash your hands after handling materials.

Items that have undergone water damage in Washington should be dried using fans to provide maximum air circulation. However, do not aim fans directly at the drying materials. Absorb excess moisture using a clean sponge, paper or bath towel. Make sure not blot to on hand-written ink or fragile surfaces or the ink will run. Do not use printed newsprint for blotting since ink can transfer.

Paper ...
... documents, maps, posters, and other similar items should be left to air dry. Paper is very fragile when wet and must be handled with care and provided with adequate support so they do not tear. Blot excess water off the document and do not try to separate individual items while they are wet. You may leave them in stacks no higher than a quarter of an inch when left out to dry. If papers can be separated, put absorbent or separating materials like waxed paper in between the pages. Change the interleaving materials used until the item is dry.

Clean window-screens stacked with bricks or wood blocks between them can function as a drying surface because it provides maximum air circulation. When the items are dried on a hard surface, cover the entire area with absorbent materials and change them when wet they become wet. When items are almost dry, put them between protective sheets like unprinted newsprint and put a light weight over them to keep the pages flat.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for fire and water damage cleanups. To learn more about water damage repair and wet carpet, visit RestorationSOS.com