Mold and Mildew: The Evil within the Archive

Send an archivist into that dark and malodorous room filled with old forgotten books and documents and imagine Vince Price narrating a different version of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven:

“Deep into that archive peering, mold and mildew were what I was fearing."

*Scene from the 1943 film: The Song of Bernadette

One of the most significant tribulations to any archive or collector of books, documents, or even clothes, is the appearance of mold and mildew. Often the smell alone will provide the unquestionable proof that the existence of either of these elements is present. Usually, many collections and forgotten treasures are found in basements and attics, which are commonly known among archivist to have the perfect mixture of warm air and high humidity during various times of the year. Other times the appearance of these malicious elements can be created due to flooding or even water damage from an overhead leaky water pipe.

Why this topic? Well, that is a good question that deserves an excellent archival type answer.

Some of the items that are located within the St. Stanislaus Archival Room have been the victim of a hurricane or two while other items have been stored in someone's attic, outside shed, or maybe even a basement (a rarity in the south, but they do exist.) The most significant concern is a collection of diplomas, a few of which are almost a hundred years old, as well as a few random photographs and class brochures. This issue with mold and mildew is the rationality for my next research assignment as well as to see if mildew and mold elimination would be a process that could be taken care of in-house or should be left to the professionals.

Which reminds me, it is disclaimer time for those do-it-yourselfers. Disclaimer: While there are a few methods for removing mold and mildew, please remember that there are some instances in which it is better to let the professional conservationist handle the job.

Care and Removal

First, make sure these methods are NOT performed in the same room with other collections.

Second, never attempt to brush or remove mold from damp books, as it will likely smear and then cause the surface to stain. Always dry the item (document, book, etc.) first and then remove second.

If the item is dry, then use a soft cloth or soft brush to remove the mildew. A soft cloth dampened with denatured alcohol can be used to kill the mildew, but first, test a small area to check for discoloration. If cleaning pages of a book, use wax paper between the pages to keep the page underneath from getting wet and use a cloth dampened with hydrogen peroxide or denatured alcohol.

Oh as for that smell, I read on the Biblio.com site that you can sprinkle baking soda in a sealed container or bag and place the book inside the bag for a few hours, and usually, the smell will vanish.

And Remember: Take thy mold from out my book, and take thy mildew from off my door!” Quoth the Archivist “Nevermore.”