Question about cleaning books.

[Tom]

Hey everyone. I have been away from the board for a while.

Anyway, I have a few old books that were packed in a trunk in my father's barn for the past 18 years and prior to that they had been in his basement for at least 30 years...where they were prior to that I haven't any idea, except they were my 2nd great-grandfather's, his wife's and one that was his uncle's. The trunk contained a number of things that I can't believe were allowed to be forgotten (a buffalo robe, photographs, books, letters and a painting). Squirels and mice and made there way into the trunk and nested in it for what appears to be years. The books had been nawed on and had quite a bit of droppings and I assume urine on them. I would love to read them, but am very leary of handling them as I don't want to get sick. Does anyone know of a way to clean/disinfect them without ruining them?

The painting I have had conserved and it has come out beautifully. The robe is still in the trunk, which breaks my heart. The hide is still supple and the inside lining appears to be in good condition...other than some minor spots that had been eaten, but the fur is reeeaaalllly dirty. I would love to get this cleaned and conserved somehow too, but don't know where to start.

Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[bobpbx]

Hmmm, interesting problem. I want to say start by 48 hours in the freezer. You can also irradicate anything using xray, if you know someone that does radiography.

 

[Teegate]

Sorry to hear about the damage. Bob's answers seem very good to me. I will ask my brother who collects old books what he knows abut it.

Guy

 

[Tom]

Thanks for the input you guys.

 

[Gerania]

Mold is bad enough but the mouse droppings are worse. We're talking Hantavirus, Leptospirosis and who knows, probably the CDC, what else.

First and foremost buy a vacuum cleaner with *true* HEPA filtration. My mold remediator suggested the Nilfisk Family Vac. Whichever brand/model that you buy be sure that it has a replaceable bag, never buy a bagless.

While initially cleaning any of these items wear long sleeves, long pants, ventless goggles, a respirator and gloves. Whenever possible, the first cleaning should take place outside.

The robe - Vac it on a tarp in the yard. Use the dusting brush attachment, you may have to reduce the suction while cleaning the fur side. Periodically vac the brush. Be meticulous in your work. Temporarily store the robe in something like a duffle bag or large laundry sack. I would contact furriers to find a cleaner for that piece.

Clean all of the equipment well and wash the clothes seperately.

Books, OK, that could get kind of long. If you'd like me to tell you what I know about cleaning books, just let me know and I'll send a PM or email.

Gillian