I got some banknotes that I would like to keep until I find better condition notes. They had been kept in pvc folders for some time. Any way of safely getting rid of the odor?
It's difficult to know exactly what the cause of the odour is without a description but, since it is caused by some volatile substance transferring from the plastic to the paper, the best solution is probably to leave the notes in the open for some time. How long will depend on what the chemical is and what the air conditions (temperature and humidity) are. I certainly wouldn’t recommend applying any kind of "treatment" to the notes.
Former Numista referee for banknotes from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Saint Helena.
Quote: "ceh2019"It's difficult to know exactly what the cause of the odour is without a description but, since it is caused by some volatile substance transferring from the plastic to the paper, the best solution is probably to leave the notes in the open for some time. How long will depend on what the chemical is and what the air conditions (temperature and humidity) are. I certainly wouldn’t recommend applying any kind of "treatment" to the notes.
this is what I was thinking. I guess that's the direction to go.
