• A few points to remember:
  1. Do not use bleaches, detergents, or water-soluble fungicides.
  2. Do not use staples, clips, adhesives, or tape of any kind.
  3. Never use any kind of marking device on wet paper.
  4. Do not press books or documents mechanically when they are wet, this can force mud and dirt into the paper and can subject the materials to stresses which will damage their structures.
  5. Do not remove covers from books, they will help support the book during drying.
  6. Do not hang very wet books from lines, the weight of the book will cause folds on the insides of the book. When partially dry a book may be hung on a nylon line to finish drying.
  7. Do not attempt to seperate single-sheet material, unless it is supported by polyester film or fabric.
• Estimating water absorption:
  • Books and papers produced before 1840 can absorb 80% of their weight in water.
  • Modern books and papers can absorb an average of 60% of their weight in water.
  • The worst of the damage caused by swelling occurs in the first eight hours of soaking.
    Papers and cardboard covers have a larger capacity to absorb water than the covering materials, thus forcing the case to become partly or completely detached. Leather and vellum covers can usually be saved by a conservator in a controlled environment. Modern leather may shrink to 1/10 of its original size or deteriorate due to the modern manufacturing processes.
  • Never attempt to open a wet book! The paper is weak and will tear easly at the slightest touch. Do Not try to do any cleaning or restoration on-site, consult with book and paper conservators.
• Foxing:
  • The term foxing, first noted in 1840's, describes the rusty color of the spots, which resemble a fox's coat of fur. Also it has been noted the spots often resemble the paws of a fox. It's as if a fox walked through the pages.

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