Don’t use bleach on yellowed newspapers

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 copies of them, the yellowing ruins the picture. Is there any way I can remove the yellow? Jane Goodwin, via e-mail

Jane, you aren’t the only one with a question ab

out yellowed newspaper. Linda Saldana in Ohio has newspapers that are yellowed and somewhat fragile. They were kept in a musty basement for many years.

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 your computer. 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 may 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. Heloise

P.S.: Don’t display old photos or newspaper articles anywhere that direct or strong sunlight might harm them.

Dear Heloise: Yesterday, while at work, I lost the back from one of my favorite earrings. I was about to put both the earrings into my purse when I got the idea of cutting an eraser end off a wooden pencil. I trimmed it to a smaller size, stuck the earring post in the middle and went about my work with my pretty earrings on. When there’s a will, there’s a way! Charleen, San Angelo, Texas

This is an oldie but still a goodie! This will save the day for just about anyone! Heloise

Dear Heloise: During a power outage, I brought in some of my solar lights, which were a perfect fit in a large, tall florist vase, and I had light all through the night.

I recently saw some small solar lights that could be placed permanently in a small vase and left in a windowsill to charge during the day and illuminate at night. They are brighter than most night lights. Cathy Bolin, Winchester, Va.

Dear Heloise: I was dusting around the house 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., via e-mail

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate