Stinger Gunner USMC Posted August 3, 2009 Share #1 Posted August 3, 2009 I was pulling some WWII uniforms out the other day and was dissapointed that I found several with white mildew on them. I was able to wipe it off with a dry lint-free rag. My collection room is kept at 78 degrees with a window A/C Heater combo unit and I have a ceiling fan running constantly. The Rh is kept right at 50%. There are black-out blinds on the two windows in the room. The conditions of my room are what I have been taught as optimal from the many courses I have taken in museum studies. Does anyone know what I should do to remediate this problem. Should I let natural light into the room? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted August 3, 2009 Share #2 Posted August 3, 2009 My collection room is kept at 78 degrees with a window A/C Heater combo unit and I have a ceiling fan running constantly. The Rh is kept right at 50%. That combination of temp and humidity sounded a little high to me so I looked up some recommendations. This is from http://www.nedcc.org/resources/leaflets/2T...cGuidelines.php "Authorities disagree on the ideal temperature and relative humidity for library and archival materials. A frequent recommendation is a stable temperature no higher than 70°F and a stable relative humidity between a minimum of 30% and a maximum of 50%. Research indicates that relative humidities at the lower end of this range are preferable since deterioration then progresses at a slower rate. In general, the lower the temperature the better." Specific to textiles, the Univ. of Nebraska says, "Moist air, warmth, and lack of air circulation encourage mold growth that can stain fibers and cause deterioration. Inspect textiles regularly for mildew. Mold can begin to grow at humidity levels of 60 percent and above. A relative humidity of approximately 50 percent and temperatures of 60°F to 70°F are recommended. Avoid extreme fluctuations of humidity and temperature levels, such as exist in attics and most basements." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted January 3, 2011 Share #3 Posted January 3, 2011 I recently received a grouping of WW2 uniform items that smell like mildew and appear to have light mildew stains. Any suggestions or ideas about the best treatment and removal options? Thanks. Take them to the dry cleaners and have them cleaned. That's about the only way to guarantee you'll stop the mildew damage. I've done it to several Chief and early Navy groups and all of them have come out beautifully. Your other choice is to air the items out in fresh air for a couple weeks...but this time of year that's tough to do, unless you live in a really dry (and warm) place. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt Saunders Posted January 9, 2011 Share #4 Posted January 9, 2011 Here's an idea that I've used that works. All tho it's a personal choice, I feel it's the best. This is what professionals use for remediation of mold, smoke damage and the like. If you chose to go this path I would still have it dry cleaned to remove any dead mold spores as it will kill them but not physically remove them. Study the sight carefully and read it all then decide. It really is amazing. I have friends that use the smaller ones to deodorize there hunting clothes before a hunt. It also takes the cigarette small out of anything. My secretary had her car stolen last year and when it was found a crack head was living it it. She was beside her self. After 2 bottles of Fabreeze it still stunk to the high heavens. I lent her my generator and she gave it a full blast for 5 hours. Then she let it air out for the same amount of time and odor gone! I will admit she was a little skeptical at first but the smile on her face when she brought said it all. She still has no problems a year later. True story. Enough said, check it out. As always just my 2c. http://www.jenesco.com/index.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan H. Posted January 10, 2011 Share #5 Posted January 10, 2011 You can remove mildew by putting rubbing alcohol on a sponge and wiping the affected area down. Don't saturate the sponge or the uniform rump a little goes a long ways, but you'll see INSTANT results. Oh yeah, keep cleaning the sponge or you'll just smear the black gunk around. Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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