06/01/2015
Here's some basic drying procedures for all those affected by the recent central Texas flooding.
GENERAL: Air Dry means find a cool, dry space with fans. Use absorbent material (blotters, paper towels) under objects. Replace absorbent material as it becomes wet. For wet books, documents, photographs, textiles: if these cannot be air-dried within about 48 hours, freeze. If freezer is unavailable, keep as cool as possible with air circulation until air drying is possible. Expect mold growth.
Since most materials become significantly weaker when wet, do not hang wet objects.
FRAMED ARTWORKS: Unframe paintings in a safe place. Keep wet paintings horizontal and paint-side up. Store in a room with active air circulation.
ART ON PAPER OR PHOTOS: If image appears stuck to glass/glazing, leave in frame and dry glass-side down.
PHOTOGRAPHS: Rinse mud off photographs (using gentle water stream or by immersion and gentle agitation). Thoroughly wet photographs can stay wet in a container of clean water. Dry or freeze within 48 hours. If possible, interleave photographs with wax paper prior to freezing. Freeze or air dry damp or partially wet photographs.
BOOKS IN QUANTITY: Remove two or three books from each wet or partly wet shelf (to relieve pressure). Evacuate completely or partly wet books. Pack snugly, spine down, and freeze. Leave damp books on shelves if space can be kept cool and dry.
INDIVIDUAL BOOKS: Air dry, stand upright, and open covers gently to support book.
DOCUMENTS/PAMPHLETS: Remove plastic covers. Air dry flat, in piles no thicker than 1/8" within 48 hours; or pack snugly, upright in original folders (if no folders, pack flat) and freeze.
TEXTILES: Air dry or bag wet textiles in plastic and freeze. Briefly immerse partially wet textiles in clean water, blot, and air dry or freeze.
FURNITURE: Lift furniture above water level. Dab dry with clean cloths. If mud-covered, rinse immediately with clean water. Wrap with plastic and dry slowly, under weights if possible. Leave drawers in place but remove contents.
BASKETS: Pad basketry with uninked newsprint, keep lids on, dry slowly.
LEATHER: Shape, pad, and air dry.
BONE/IVORY: Dab to absorb excess water, place under loose sheets of polyethylene to slow drying.
METAL: Dry metal as quickly as possible, using fans and/or sun.
ANIMAL MATERIALS: Air dry unstuffed specimens and skeletal material on racks in moving air; do not squeeze.
These general recommendations are intended to provide practical guidance in the recovery of water-damaged objects. These recommendations are intended as guidance only and neither AIC nor HP assume responsibility or liability for treatment of water-damaged objects. Visit the AIC website for more information about disaster recovery.
