HELPFUL HINTS
Posted: August 13, 2009 at 4:52 a.m.
LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: As the oldest grandchild, I have become the keeper of all the family pictures. There are several hundred newspaper articles among these. Some are more than 90 years old. Of course, they are yellowed and brittle. I hate to throw them away and would like to save them, but when I make copiesof them, the yellowing ruins the picture. Is there any way I can remove the yellow?
- Jane Goodwin
DEAR READER: You aren't the only one with a question about yellowed newspaper. Linda Saldana in Ohio has newspapers that are yellowed and somewhat fragile.
My mother's hint from the 1960s for preserving newspaper involved using milk of magnesia, which probably will not lighten old, yellow newspaper clippings. However, with today's technology, your best bet is to scan the photos and articles into your computer (or go to a library for help) and try to adjust the contrast, hue and brightness on yourcomputer. Many photo-retouching programs are on the market these days, and they are relatively inexpensive. You can then re-print the photos or articles on modern acid-free photo paper.
Whatever you do, do not use bleach (or any liquid), because bleach or other liquids can damage the old newsprint. I'd like to add that genealogists have told me that nothing will truly turn yellowed newsprint white again. In fact, they agree that yellowing is part of what makes old newspapers valuable in collector circles.
DEAR HELOISE: I was dusting and noticed pesky dust buildup on all of my lampshades. I use a paper towel, which doesn't remove the dust, and the dust falls on other areas. All of a sudden it hit me: Why not use a lint roller? There are no more dusty lampshades around my house.
- Kelly E. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Weekend, Pages 39 on 08/13/2009
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