How to deal with mould and foxing on books and paper
Brown spots (foxing) and mould are common on old books, prints and documents in New Zealand's damp climate. Here's how to stop the damage spreading and when to call a conservator.
By the Junkie team
Step by step
Step 1: Isolate it
Bag mouldy items straight away so the spores don't spread to the rest of your collection.
Step 2: Dry it out
Active mould is fuzzy and smears. Dry it fully in a warm, dry room with a fan, standing books open slightly. Don't put it in direct sun.
Step 3: Brush it off outside
Once dry and powdery, brush the mould off outdoors with a soft brush, away from you, wearing a mask.
Step 4: Leave foxing alone
Foxing is the brown spotting caused by damp and impurities in the paper. Home bleaching does more harm than good. Valuable prints and maps should go to a paper conservator.
Step 5: Store it dry
Keep paper in archival folders and boxes in a dry room. A silica gel pack in the box helps in damp houses.
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