Washing off mud and dirt

Mud and dirt should be washed from library materials only under the direction of a trained conservation specialist. Skip the washing step if time or staff are short; the first priority is to remove the collection from further danger or from conditions that would promote mold growth.

If time and staff permit, some mud or dirt can be removed from water-damaged materials as they are assembled for packing. Once the mud and dirt dry, they will be difficult to remove. Set up an area with a source of clean running water, drainage, and a succession of nonrusting containers (such as plastic garbage cans) in which to rinse the material.