How To Salvage Waterlogged Documents And Books

Homes and businesses flooded by Oklahoma storms often leave a mess of documents that require immediate recovery.

 

Cindy Clampet, Oklahoma State University Extension family resource management assistant specialist, said it is possible to save valuable papers and books that have been damaged by heavy rain or other water disasters. The odds depend heavily on the medium involved, however.

 “Despite living in a digital age, most all of us have important papers at home. Birth

certificates, marriage licenses and titles for vehicles are just a few of the examples of

important documents,” Clampet said. “Some may have a treasured book from their youth or even a family Bible that has been handed down through the generations.”

 

If there’s not enough time to clean and dry paper immediately, Clampet suggested putting the materials in a plastic zipper bag in a freezer for storage. The cold will help prevent mold and mildew from getting a foothold. Wax paper placed between papers or books will help to keep them separate until cleaning begins.

 

Wipe book covers with a solution of equal parts of rubbing/denatured alcohol and water. A fan can help the process. When they are partially dry, pile and press books to help keep the pages from crumpling. 

 

Important documents damaged by flood water can be sprinkled with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb moisture. Leave the powder there for several hours and then brush it off.

 

If you have valuable books that are nearly dry, consider ironing the pages with an electric iron set on low. Clampet said it may seem tedious, but it’s also worth the effort with valuable books. When completely dried, close the books and use C-clamps to help them retain their shape. Vinyl and leather book covers can be wiped with a light coating of petroleum jelly or leather dressing.

 

“Keep in mind that even if your recovered papers appear to have dried successfully, they may disintegrate rapidly because of substances that were in the floodwater or rainwater,” she said. “In the event the documents start to fall apart, you may want to contact official agencies and start the process of replacing Social Security cards, marriage licenses, birth certificates and other important documents.”