Remove odor from newspaper that are about 30 years old which were found in a cedar chest.?

Question

These newspapers are starting to yellow but the odor from being in a cedar chest is very offensive. Is there any way to save them.
THanks

Answer 1

The odor, I don't know about, but the yellowing...you can get spray at your local shop that sells scrapbooking supplies. This will help preserve the newpapers if their important. It does something to the acid used to create the papers and makes the papers last longer.

As for odors, I've found that usually if I leave something out long enough, the odor goes away...for instance, a friend gave me a wonderful jacket, but she smokes. There was smoke on the leather, but I found out that after a month or so in the closet (as it was summer), the smoke odor dissappeared.

Sometimes a good airing out helps. Other than that, consult someone at the local scrapbooking shop or someone whom restores family historical papers. Perhaps someone at a museum could give you ideas.

Answer 2

got it...you need to put dryer sheets in the chest w/the paper, won't remove the yellow, but will remove the smell and mold and dampness.....
If they are valuable, you may want to consult an appraiser first.

Answer 3

put them somewhere with no air in a vacuum.