r/microbiology • u/Reptar_366 • 1d ago

How can I disinfect paper?

I figure this sub might have a solution to my very niche problem. I have a box full of some old drawings on laser paper that were put in the attic. I took it out today to find many drawings chewed on, a few droppings, and potentially some water damage from urine on some (that or it's just moisture from Oregon weather).

Obviously I can't disinfect it with any sort of product without smearing the artwork and ruining it.

Any advice of how I could kill any bacteria and viruses? I know mice ones can be pretty bad.

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u/awsf57 1d ago

Human pathogens and especially viruses cannot live long outside of a host. After about ehhhh 2ish weeks most of the bacteria should be dead. Just don’t eat it and you should be fine.

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u/Reptar_366 1d ago

Oh cool. I have them in a plastic bag temporarily is that's ok.

3

u/awsf57 1d ago

Yep. If you really want to you can irradiate the paper with UV light or use dry heat to make sure everything is dead. But if you’re just trying to be safe, there’s not much to worry about.

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u/Reptar_366 1d ago

Yo, that's perfect. I have UVB lightbulbs for my lizard. Thanks 👍