What to do with mildew/moldy documents + pictures?

[Spartcom5]

Sort of a dilemma here. Bought three folders filled with envelopes and pictures. The pictures are from the late 1800s of people with their names on it very cool. Unfortunately, being in my car I got a sore throat. Turns out some of the envelopes developed mildew and have light spotting. The pictures look fine as they were in a different envelope.... I don't want to throw it all away but I am not sure if the pictures could have been infected as well. They are in the garage right now can I can't decide what to do. I know sun kills mold and mildew but not sure how good it is. Argh! I hate mold. Here is what the mold looks like, several envelopes look like this. I wanted to cut the stamps off and keep those but those are probably infected as well.

 

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[GibH]

Mold and mildew need moisture to grow, you might be able to kill it by covering them with silica gel. That would keep from bleaching them out. You can buy it from any craft store, look in the flower drying section.

 

[bigdaddywittenauer]

Heck with the pictures. I like the stamps on the envelope.

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[B1GG_NATE]

Here is a link of instructions for books. Should hold true for documents. https://www.biblio.com/book-collecting/care-preservation/prevent-remove-mold-mildew/

 

[Beachkid23]

What about laying them in the sun. I do it for toys. Lay them outside on my back porch and for a couple days they don’t smell anymore.

 

[diggummup]

You saying that the mildew gave you a sore throat? Here in Florida mold and mildew are commonplace unfortunately. I have a decent half mask that I have to use at work sometimes. I did a floor job not long ago. So much black mold, moisture and mildew in that place, the wood planks had mushrooms growing out of them. One TJ Maxx had standing puddles of water under the tile after we demo'd it. Your post is a good reminder though. Certain things we run across in this hobby/business can be harmful or dangerous to your health. As with everything in life, be vigilant.

I have a WW2 foot locker that has a "stink" permanently embedded in the fibers of the wood, lol.
I say that because I have tried (literally) everything to neutralize it, to no avail. Some of you may remember this thread... http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/garage-sale-finds/347159-hoarder-house-pics.html

 

[GibH]

I have a WW2 foot locker that has a "stink" permanently embedded in the fibers of the wood, lol.
I say that because I have tried (literally) everything to neutralize it, to no avail. Some of you may remember this thread... http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/garage-sale-finds/347159-hoarder-house-pics.html

Have you tried throwing a bag of charcoal in it? Don't know if it would work, but it might. If not, you always have your next for a cook out.

 

[RustyGold]

If it were me I wouldn’t keep it around. Sun and baking soda maybe? Good luck.

 

[Spartcom5]

Oh these are LONGG gone by now, not worth keeping. However, Smithsonian said to wipe with cotton ball outside and then vacuum with a hepa filter and should be good to go.