Foxing

A cane spot ( usually used in the plural ) is a moisture damage caused on paper, for example, in books, or on textiles yellowish or brownish discoloration. Also responsible are molds. Mildew are a typical aging appearance and are generally associated with a musty smell.

The formation of mildew is not fully understood. Typically caused mildew in high humidity or high humidity and a process of impasse (ie, spoilage due to moisture ), for example due to extreme compression of the parts or extremely airtight sealing around a room. Very probably a contributory cause, or at least often observed concomitant are fungi. The mold spores are spread through the air and are viable for years to decades. For their multiplication a relative humidity of about 55 % is needed.

Foxing to Nova Scotia in 1860 stamp

Prevention can be mildew by reducing the relative humidity below 65%, by lowering the temperature below 8 ° C, and sometimes also by meticulous cleanliness and by applying - not easy - fungicides.

Treat mildew

Foxing in books can only be by a specialist, the paper or books restorer, remove the same if it prints and geographical maps.

Mildew stains on wallpaper or ceiling point to poorly ventilated rooms or no, if only locally available, a lack of insulation and thermal bridges in the wall or on the ceiling. For them, there are various special funds in the market, most are based on chlorine bleach and should be used with caution in living rooms. Excessive humidity in buildings is primarily caused by the exhaled moisture by cooking, showering and bathing, and can be reduced by ventilation.

Mildew stains in textiles can be soaked in vinegar water. The UV light fractions of the sun remove mildew stains also relatively effective and environmentally friendly. It is also Javel water ( Contains chlorine ) is recommended, but what can attack fibers. There is also evidence that ammonia can remove mildew stains. However, these bleaching processes are only useful for light or white fabrics.