Posted By:
Gilbert MainesRather than baking soda, I would try silica gel.
My uneducated thinking is this: the safest way to stop mildew is to remove moisture. That baking soda has a capability to absorb some odors is generally accepted, but Im not sure about its safety in this situation. Specifically, I think baking soda is somewhat alkaline. If so, the pH on the surface of your cards could be adversely affected; thereby causing deterioration.
However, my (again) uninformed thinking is that mildew is a living thing, a fungus. I am not sure that it requires moisture to persist, but I think so. And I know that silica gel removes moisture. And that silica gel is neutral, and therefore will not affect your card's pH.
Lets hope that someone who really understands this, will chime in.