When a favorite book, an important document or a memorable card loses its pristine freshness, this is not a reason to be upset. Over time the sheets inevitably turn yellowabsorb foreign odors and become covered with small spots. However, there are proven methods that will help put paper products in order using available means.
To effectively renew paper, it is important to consider its structure and degree of damage.
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Odor removal. The most delicate way to get rid of the aroma of dampness or tobacco is to use sorbents. Place the paper in an airtight container with a small amount of baking soda or activated charcoal. It is important that the powder does not come into direct contact with the sheet, so it is better to pour it into a separate fabric bag.
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Dust removal. Before proceeding with deeper effects, it is necessary to remove surface contamination. A soft brush or a special kneaded eraser is ideal for this, which gently collects dirt particles without damaging the fibers.
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Fighting stains. You can try to remove greasy marks with chalk or talcum powder. The powder is applied to the stain, covered with a clean sheet and ironed with a warm iron. The temperature should be minimal so as not to dry out the material.
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Restoring smoothness. Slightly wrinkled pages can be straightened out by placing them under a heavy press for several days. If the creases are strong, light moistening with steam is allowed, but only if the ink on the paper is moisture-resistant.
Particular attention should be paid ventilation. Sometimes it is enough to leave a book open in a well-ventilated room with low humidity to make it pleasant to the touch again.
When working with antique or very delicate documents, extreme caution should be exercised, as aggressive exposure can lead to irreversible destruction of the cellulose. Careful care can significantly extend the life of paper media and preserve their value for many years.
Proper storage in a dark, dry place is the best way to prevent yellow discoloration and odor from reappearing.
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