Reviving Heidi

Washing

After tearing down the book, it was ready to be washed. Each sheet was carefully pulled away from the text block. I was unable to get all the glue off without tearing the pages--so I stopped trying. I got enough off that I was able to pull the pages away from the text block, and I was happy with that.

Each sheet got packed into a plastic tub with no-name J-cloths separating the sheets. The tubs were then filled with warm water and left to rest for 30 minutes. The water was drained, refilled and left for 30 minutes until the water ran clear when dumped out. Typically each batch of sheets took 3-5 washings depending on the number of sheets in the tub.

These are the tubs I use to wash the sheets. The tub on the left has pages submerged.

Conservators, look away...everyone else read on. To wash the pages I used regular tap water. I should be using distilled water.

After the sheets have sat for 30 minutes in their tub, they get drained. First I place a hand on the sheets and then I tip the tub over.

Bailey the cat knows she's not allowed to participate in book binding. The red socks are my feet as I'm changing the water in the tubs.

Next the sheets were dried.