Need advice on how to clean this T206

[GasHouseGang]

I've wondered the same thing. I have some cards with "foxing" and wondered what paper conservators recommend and what is "foxing". I googled it and found this answer from ebay, of all places. Maybe something here will be useful. I will say, I have NOT tried this myself.

How To Remove Foxing on Vintage Paper Prints

Because of the age of vintage paper prints they are subject to foxing buildup on the paper. Foxing is a type of mildew found on vintage paper that has been sitting for long periods of time. Foxing happens as paper attracts both iron and ferrous oxide to the paper material. This will cause the paper to discolor and have an odor. To remove the foxing you will need the following:

1 liter bottle
Rubber gloves that are chemically resistant
Hydrogen Peroxide
Calcium Hydroxide

Fill the 1 liter bottle with distilled water. Add 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to the water. Let it sit for about 30 seconds and then add a teaspoon of calcium hydroxide to the water. This neutralizes any acidic properties inside of the solution.

Lay out some towels on a work table. Place the paper print on the table with the foxing side of the print facing upward. Wet the foxing on the print's surface lightly with some tap water. Dip a cotton swab into the prepared solution. Gently rub the swab over the affected areas on the print. Let the solution sit on the paper for 30 minutes. Reapply the solution to the print's surface every 30 minutes over a span of four to six hours, or until the foxing is completely removed.

If the paper is brittle it is recommended to have a professional perform this procedure.

How to Remove Foxing on Paper

Overtime, when books are exposed to damp conditions, mold and mildew build up and this formation is called "foxing." The term refers to ferrous oxide, or iron, that becomes attracted to paper and leads to the unwanted discoloration on the paper. To remove foxing from books you will need the following:

· Corn starch
· 2 tbsp. liquid dish soap
· 1/2 gallon warm water


If the book is still slightly damp, open it up in the center and set it in a dry, warm area to dry.

Sprinkle corn starch onto any pages that are wet. Allow the corn starch to remain for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it away with a soft cloth. Then lay the book out with it open in the center.

Allow the book to remain laid out until it is completely dry. Once this has occurred, wipe away the dry mildew with a soft cloth.

Make sure that your problem is foxing rather than oxidation. Foxing turns pages green, and oxidation typically turns them a coppery, reddish color.