tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8982004121079404232024-03-14T00:10:53.138-04:00Take Care of Your Stuff!Welcome to the new home of the FAQ page from preservesmart.com. We've been asked a lot of interesting questions over the past 17 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.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-57226623228697291992014-10-27T17:46:00.001-04:002014-10-27T17:58:19.952-04:00NEW, New Address! Free Sachet or Tissue for Dropping By! Whoppee...! ; )*We have a NEW new address! The shop is now located at:
204 Union Street
P.O. Box 447 (US MAIL)
Occoquan VA 22125
TEXT ONLY 5 seven 1.five 7 two.two two 0 7
daubedp@preservesmart.com
In addition to the supplies and kits available online, we also have an ever changing selection of antiques, painted furniture, vintage finds and collectibles. Areas of special interest include vintage Pyrex® Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-37404512463618528392014-10-27T17:26:00.004-04:002014-10-27T17:30:55.005-04:00Will Try to do Better! LL&P, ADD DebraIn my defense, after 17 years, I rarely get questions about care, preservation, storage and/or restoration not already covered (or at least to some extent or analogous in some way...). Now that the progeny are onboard at the shop, I'll delegate something to someone and troll the e.mail histories to see if I can find some post.worthy Q and A. Read on!Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-21288698839390097322014-01-15T14:51:00.001-05:002014-01-15T14:51:14.521-05:00From Elaine H. on OVER regenerating desiccant and some kind words
First the kind words:
"I love dealing with your store. I
always get superb service and friendly hints to make the products I buy
perform at their best. Another store wouldn't include a card that
explains how to restore desiccant. They would prefer to sell
more."
RE: Elaine accidentally over-cooked her desiccant, which is something I did not know to Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-38535603099187732612013-11-27T15:56:00.000-05:002013-12-26T15:22:07.106-05:00Time Flies + NEWS!Hard to believe it's been so long since I last posted! The thing is, when you've been doing this as long as I have, there's just not a whole lot of new stuff going on. I receive very few new consult questions (always free!) these days, as folks take my suggestion and search the blog for answers before asking.
Please do not hesitate to ask if your query is not covered here or on the site. This isDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-69986092950514070542011-05-24T18:40:00.001-04:002011-05-24T18:46:05.911-04:00Eucalan Now has Videos!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 linensDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-61971066480328852542010-11-28T15:25:00.001-05:002014-10-27T17:55:38.022-04:00From 'Gilligan' at scubaboard.com about 2 gram desiccants and regenerating.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
(in response to many requests, packets are available at The Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-87569401938858097952010-08-20T15:46:00.000-04:002010-08-20T15:46:28.779-04:00Storing Model Kits for a Year or 2 from Martin K.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 planDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-87364517515105927732010-08-20T15:28:00.001-04:002010-08-20T15:30:36.399-04:00Protective Storage of Native American Dolls and Artifacts from Anne C.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-43975187126564156022010-08-20T14:53:00.000-04:002010-08-20T14:53:49.479-04:00Storing Leather Baby Shoes from Gillian M.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-40826823104520395542010-08-20T14:42:00.000-04:002010-08-20T14:42:33.929-04:00Storing Newspapers (again!) from Jane S.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 ofDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-64395643719101331352010-04-28T18:18:00.000-04:002010-04-28T18:18:09.514-04:00Plastic Storage Boxes vs. Archival from Mary P.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 polypropyleneDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-61089178703787848592010-04-28T17:58:00.001-04:002010-04-28T17:59:50.392-04:00Difference Between Buffered and Un(or non)buffered Tissues
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, JacquelineDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-24492528724657534602010-04-28T17:38:00.000-04:002010-04-28T17:38:46.615-04:00March Was Crazy!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-76874569657069633382010-02-28T13:53:00.000-05:002010-03-01T14:53:25.580-05:00Preserving Newspapers from Mavis W.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-65783529994755832432010-02-26T15:33:00.000-05:002010-02-27T02:01:36.504-05:00Preventing 'bleeding' of signed baseballs from David J.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-14355063517678957112010-02-26T13:59:00.002-05:002010-07-18T16:46:45.311-04:00Preserving 19th Century Leather Bound Books from Dan W.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-43647093896589053992010-02-25T14:07:00.000-05:002010-02-26T11:36:28.089-05:00From Dan G. on storing smelly game jerseysQ. 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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-87907390321901896532010-02-22T17:29:00.000-05:002010-02-22T17:29:55.455-05:00How to store crepe and satin shoes with rhinestones from Kim P.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-52190538289146300482010-02-22T17:18:00.000-05:002010-02-23T01:20:47.663-05:00Question about storing an antique wedding gown from Jan H.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-18073024600987596542010-02-22T17:05:00.000-05:002010-02-22T17:05:43.915-05:00Storing hand-smocked clothing for grandchildren from Barbara S.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-83509774995160276292010-02-22T16:31:00.000-05:002010-02-22T16:31:05.156-05:00Removing Label Residue from Antique Table Linens from Julie W.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 labelDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-44513331307308489152010-02-22T16:05:00.000-05:002010-02-25T14:37:01.863-05:00Storing Patricia Breen ornaments from Gail H.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-91445397615869542232010-02-22T15:53:00.000-05:002010-02-25T13:17:43.215-05:00Buffered vs. Nonbuffered: Storing vintage beaded purses with silk linings from Denease A.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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-50538377963917431172010-02-17T13:15:00.000-05:002010-02-25T16:12:07.880-05:00From Lisa W. Concerning Moths and CashmereThis 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 Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05781079008017750321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-898200412107940423.post-81112874638757257472010-02-17T13:03:00.000-05:002010-02-17T13:03:26.391-05:00Question From Hena S. about Storing Fine JewelrySince 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.com