Tips for Saving Water-Damaged Items

Swift action is important if you wish to attempt to salvage wet books and papers. The primary goal is the removal of as much moisture as possible in order to:

Steps

1. Prevent paper fibers and cardboards from shrinking, warping, and sticking together.
2. Prevent the development and growth of molds and mildew.

If the number of wet items is relatively small (less than 100), or if you have sufficient staff to treat several hundred books, you can manage water damage in the following way:

Place unfolded paper towels between groups of pages ("interleaving").

Stand each book up on its edge and open into a fan shape. If the covers are also soaked, put several paper towels under the book and replace periodically with dry ones. Periodically turn the books over onto their opposite edge.