Preferred method for removing mold & mildew from album covers


I just scored some albums from a garage sale that have quite a bit of mold and mildew on the covers . The records themselves are in pretty decent shape . I know how to clean the records but am not sure about the covers . I have them airing out right now .

Can anyone help ?

Thank You

saki70

saki70

Showing 2 responses by whart

If you do a little research on the archival preservation of documents, books and paper products, you should find some suggestions for dealing with album jackets. I don't know how effective some of the methods are, or whether they risk damage to the colors or finishes of the jackets. (My suspicion is that many archives would probably start with fairly mild approaches that may be insufficient). There is considerable literature on this. Let me know if you cannot find it.

In the meantime, I would keep the records far away from the contaminated jackets, and even if 'treated,' keep the contaminated jackets away from other records/jackets or other materials in your home on which the fungus can grow. 
Let us know what you find. 
The other alternative is to not worry about the covers for now, and buy some high grade plain cardboard jackets- I like the white ones with the cut out in the middle sold by sleeve city. I use these in connection with new inner sleeves for repacking some records after cleaning. If you want you can write on the jacket in indelible marker or use a sticker (i do the latter) to better identify what’s in it. They offer pretty good protection as well. Mine are usually then bagged as part of a larger package for each record, but you don’t have to be obsessive about it.