tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982004121079404232011-08-26T10:47:41.542-04:00Welcome to the new home of the FAQ page from preservesmart.com. We've been asked a lot of interesting questions over the past 12 years about the care and storage of personal and family treasures. We hope posting some of them here, along with our responses will build a community of help and shared knowledge. One post actually deals with storing smelly game jerseys! Please share with me anything you think should be added to any topic.Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comBlogger301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-69986092950514070542011-05-24T18:40:00.001-04:002011-05-24T18:46:05.911-04:00

Click here to see them.  As you know, we feature Eucalan's fantastic washes in our textile care and storage kits, including the Wedding Gown and Baby Garment Kits and our Sweater Care Kit.  The 4 no-rinse washes are eco-friendly, wonderfully effective and actually act as a conditioning treatment for the fibers of your items!  From everyday items to fine lingerie and heirloom linens, there simply

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-61971066480328852542010-11-28T15:25:00.001-05:002010-11-28T15:29:10.593-05:00

Q. Been ordering from you for a few years now. I travel to the Philippines and use these packets in my underwater camera housing. Should they be kept in the refrigerator when not in use? The last batch started to turn pinkish while stored in the bag they came in after about 3 months. It is a very humid climate there. Thanks. Jim A. Good Afternoon, Gilligan! You should not keep the packets in a

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-87569401938858097952010-08-20T15:46:00.000-04:002010-08-20T15:46:28.779-04:00

Q. Thanks for your quick reply Debra.  Perhaps you might be able to assist me with some general information regarding long term storage / collecting. The reason for my purchase is the following: I am a collector of model kits (Example: http://www.hyperscale.com/2007/reviews/kits/tamiya61100reviewbg_1.htm) Here is my plan of collecting: I currently live in a smoking home and plan to store these

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-87364517515105927732010-08-20T15:28:00.001-04:002010-08-20T15:30:36.399-04:00

Q. Do you have any advice for what products I should buy to preserve my collection?  I have a  large collection of handmade dolls and other Native Alaskan items purchased over the last 20 years when I lived in Alaska.  Most are made of or dressed in leathers, furs, feathers and other "natural" materials.  When I lived in Alaska I displayed them in a glass case that did fine.  It wasn't airtight,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-43975187126564156022010-08-20T14:53:00.000-04:002010-08-20T14:53:49.479-04:00

Q. I recently ordered the Sweater Care Kit and the Preservation Pack for Babies (clothes) and they are amazing!  I love your products and won't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. It was so much fun getting things ready for future generations. I do have some questions about preserving and storing baby shoes that I hope you can help me with. I have several pairs of Robeez brand baby booties.  

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-40826823104520395542010-08-20T14:42:00.000-04:002010-08-20T14:42:33.929-04:00

Q. (too many to post) I just answered 12 e-mailed questions from a reader, spread over a week, regarding storing newspapers and newspaper inserts. This is not a customer of The Preservation Station, but a reader who had already purchased her supplies from 2 other companies and could not get help from customer service at either establishment. Was happy to help, but really! I'm posting a portion of

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-64395643719101331352010-04-28T18:18:00.000-04:002010-04-28T18:18:09.514-04:00

Q. Dear Debra, Just left Fabric Link's web site and they do not recommend plastic storage boxes for long term storage. Why do you recommend them. I'm confused.Thanks,Mary A. Everything depends upon the material the box is made of and where it will be stored.  Look for a '5' in the recycle code triangle or 'PP'.  Rubbermaid and Sterilite make boxes of this inert polypropylene resin. The boxes

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-61089178703787848592010-04-28T17:58:00.001-04:002010-04-28T17:59:50.392-04:00

Q. Is your acid free tissue paper non-buffered safe for silk and wool?  Does your "liginin-free" paper change pH over time and become acidic?  If so, can you say how often it would be prudent to change it (fabric storage, mostly linen and cotton)?  20x30 seems small for table linens, do you carry, or plan to carry larger sheets?  Thank you, Jacqueline A. We have carried larger sizes in the past

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-24492528724657534602010-04-28T17:38:00.000-04:002010-04-28T17:38:46.615-04:00

Due to unexpected press from several quarter simultaneously, we were absolutely swamped through March and April.  The blog took a backseat, but we're back now!

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-76874569657069633382010-02-28T13:53:00.000-05:002010-03-01T14:53:25.580-05:00

Q. I like to save newspapers which feature special events or people of interest.  Do you know what would be the best kind of container to preserve these for as long as possible and whether such a container might be the size of a newspaper?  Do you know whether Rubbermaid containers are made of a material which would not harm newspapers if used for long term storage? A. Newspaper pulp is very

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-65783529994755832432010-02-26T15:33:00.000-05:002010-02-27T02:01:36.504-05:00

Q. Try this one! I have a unique collection.  I have autographed baseballs...not of sports heroes, but of MY heroes.  My grandfather, my dad, an uncle, and some others.  The signatures on a couple of balls is NOT fading so much as"bleeding."  The ink from the pens is sort of bleeding into itself.  Is there a spray or anything that I could use to retard this process? A spray lacquer?  Any ideas?

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-14355063517678957112010-02-26T13:59:00.002-05:002010-07-18T16:46:45.311-04:00

Q. I have several 19th century leather bound books which I would like to preserve as best as possible, what would you suggest? A.You may want to consult with a local conservator, AIC has a finder. In general, it is important that the books be kept free of dust, insects and mold spores and that they be kept in a temperate area with relatively stable humidity in the mid-range.  Aim for

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-43647093896589053992010-02-25T14:07:00.000-05:002010-02-26T11:36:28.089-05:00

Q. I have a collection of smelly Game Worn Flannels with the original dirt, sweat, tobacco, blood etc.  They don't get washed ever.  I have them in Sterilite storage containers lined with your tissue and (since I am getting married soon) am wondering if I should put some of your lavender in with them. Thanks for all the previous replies. I guess my final question (hopefully for your sanity) is

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-87907390321901896532010-02-22T17:29:00.000-05:002010-02-22T17:29:55.455-05:00

Q. I have found a pair of shoes that I would like to purchase for my wedding in 2 years. How would I store them to prevent changes in the color and material.  They are white crepe and satin with a rhinestone embellishment. Your help would be most valuable. A. They sound gorgeous! Stuff and wrap them with our archival wrapping tissue to help prevent the metal settings for the rhinestones from

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-52190538289146300482010-02-22T17:18:00.000-05:002010-02-23T01:20:47.663-05:00

Q. I have my Mom's wedding gown which has been stored in her cedar chest for years.  It is made of lace with a satin petticoat, and has about ten small white pearl type buttons down the back.  It's floor length. It has yellowed with age.  She died recently, but my parent's wedding anniversary would've been 64 years this month, so that is the age of the gown. Now that I have it--I would like to

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-18073024600987596542010-02-22T17:05:00.000-05:002010-02-22T17:05:43.915-05:00

Q. I have a large number of hand-smocked clothing from 9 grandchildren.  I am interested in packing a box for each one, in hopes their own children may someday wear them.  Will the Rubbermaid or Sterite boxes with tissue paper between be all I need, or should the entire contents of each one be covered in muslin?  I live in Texas, but plan to keep them in the house. A.You'll be fine with just

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-83509774995160276292010-02-22T16:31:00.000-05:002010-02-22T16:31:05.156-05:00

Q.You were kind enough to give me guidance on storage of a 100% linen tablecloth I inherited from my grandfather. I still need to purchase the archival tissue paper and plan to do so from your website. However, I just examined the tablecloth and napkins and have another question. The napkins were in their original packaging, including a cardboard insert (yikes). On each napkin is a stuck on label

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-44513331307308489152010-02-22T16:05:00.000-05:002010-02-25T14:37:01.863-05:00

Q. I have several hundred Patricia Breen ornaments.  They are glass ornaments covered in a fine glitter.  What do you recommend for a storage solution?  Your small bags with tissue? Many of them are over $100.00 each so I am concerned with keeping them nice.  Some of the garlands that use small siver and gold balls are tarnishing and I am worried.  Many thanks for your time.  A.Our tissue will

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-91445397615869542232010-02-22T15:53:00.000-05:002010-02-25T13:17:43.215-05:00

Q. I am interested in purchasing acid free tissue.  I collect vintage beaded purses with silk linings and other vintage items.  I looked on your web site and noticed that acid free tissue comes buffered and nonbuffered.  Which one should I use? A. For most vintage items, and particularly where silk, wool, fur, leather or feathers is a component, you should use only nonbuffered tissue.  This will

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-50538377963917431172010-02-17T13:15:00.000-05:002010-02-25T16:12:07.880-05:00

This after ordering our Triple Sweater and Woolens Care Kit: Do you think when I get home from work tonight it would help to shake the rest of my cashmere collection and then put lavender on the shelf while I wait for your emergency kit to arrive? reply: Absolutely! Lavender is closely related to Lavendin - which has been shown to be more repellent than moth balls to moths. What you should

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-81112874638757257472010-02-17T13:03:00.000-05:002010-02-17T13:03:26.391-05:00

Since space is limited in a safety-deposit box, I need your advice on how to store fine jewelry. I don't have space for all the soft jewel boxes that pieces were purchased in, so have stored some in small plastic zip bags, some mixed together in a paper box lined at the bottom with cotton. Should I be wrapping each piece in tissue paper? What do you recommend? Thanks, Hena and parts of my reply:

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-71350632356480143032010-02-17T12:52:00.000-05:002010-02-17T12:52:29.243-05:00

Was very impressed with the info on your website and with customer reviews.  Most likely I will order very soon when I decide what I will need for storage of my collectibles.  My most important question re:  storage is what type of box should I store "unboxed as well as boxed collectibles?"  Most of my collectibles are holiday items from the 20's through the early 60's.  I am somewhat perplexed

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-87764244858675543222010-01-19T20:18:00.001-05:002010-08-20T15:50:29.348-04:00

Q. I have purchased from you folks twice now and I am extremely happy with the product. I use these packets with my underwater camera, after about 3 dives I change the bags and save them.Now that I am home, can I do anything to 'recharge'  them or should I just purchase more of them from you? Thanks for your great service and product, Corey M. A.  Hello, Corey: The manufacturer does not market

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-45249026943545604302010-01-19T20:10:00.000-05:002010-02-26T11:41:53.842-05:00

Q. I was just recently bequeathed with a rather large, WWII era flag and want to do my absolute best to preserve it for posterity. However, I'm not certain which paper is best for said flag. What would you recommend? I'm incontrovertibly ready to purchase your best! In terms of storage beyond the paper, I was thinking of putting the flag, folded nicely throughout with the a.f. tissue paper,

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-13521640195384593262010-01-19T20:02:00.000-05:002010-02-26T11:26:26.309-05:00

Interspersed is easier for this! Q. Hi Debra, It was really interesting reading your instructions on wedding gown preservation. I was unaware that #5 polypropylene 'breaths'.   A. Actually, the material itself does not breathe, but the boxes not airtight and therefore allow enough air exchange for storage in temperate areas.  The material is 100% inert and is widely used by curators. Q. I have

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-7119120635214580132010-01-19T19:52:00.000-05:002010-02-22T17:43:37.250-05:00

 Q. While I have generally stored my old and new glass tree ornaments in regular white tissue paper inside boxes and have had relatively little problem...except perhaps for a few less expensive ornaments on which the paint may peel...more and more is being written about improved storage methods.  My ornaments are kept in a storage area on the second floor of our house...not in the attic or

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-40026078626335332322010-01-15T20:03:00.000-05:002010-02-25T15:08:16.129-05:00

 Q. My childrens' baby clothes are stored in Rubbermaid and Sterilite boxes without any acid free tissue.  Do I need to wrap each piece of clothing in tissue paper and put in the box or do I just line the container with tissue paper? Also, I've been told to wash their clothes in ivory snow and not to iron them before storage?  Is this correct? I live in South Carolina and have their items stored

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-18559905500955275382010-01-15T20:00:00.000-05:002010-02-22T17:38:26.465-05:00

And parts of my answer: The whole blue tissue thing has intrigued me for years.  It is mentioned primarily in books over 50 years old.  I've asked lots of elderly women and they remember using it - but did not know anything about what made it especially suited for storage. The acid free tissue we use now is white.  My best guess is that the older tissue was saturated with a solution of bluing -

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-33859078776228761852010-01-15T19:46:00.000-05:002010-02-26T11:01:20.228-05:00

very old FAQ from The Preservation Station   Q. Are food storage zipper bags safe for storage? A. No, and for a number of reasons: Soft plastic baggies are not recommended by their manufacturers for the storage of heirlooms and collectibles. Plastic baggies seal in condensation leading to possible mold and mildew damage. Plastic baggies can contain acids which lead to further

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-35440938028839210682010-01-15T19:44:00.000-05:002010-01-19T19:37:44.491-05:00

In the course of my work I am asked some very interesting questions regarding the care and storage of all kinds of materials and family treasures.  Sometimes these questions require that I research before I answer.  Posting the questions and my answers here, and allowing for the imput of others, I hope to create a community of help and shared knowledge.  I'll begin by just posting a few of the

Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.com