Proper humidity levels are crucial for preserving baseball cards and preventing damage. High or low humidity can cause warping, discoloration or mold growth on cards that destroys their condition and value over time. Maintaining an optimal relative humidity range of approximately 35-50% is recommended for optimal long-term storage of a baseball card collection.
Too low humidity, below 30%, risks cards becoming brittle or develop static electricity that attracts dust. The cardboard paper stock in older cards is especially vulnerable to becoming stiff and prone to cracking or creasing easily in dry indoor heating environments during winters. Static also makes low humidity problematic as it can cause cards to stick together inconveniently when handled.
Conversely, humidity levels over 55% pose issues like increased acidity in the paper from moisture. This leads to degenerative ‘silvering’ on the surfaces that gives cards an aged, faded look prematurely. It also promotes mold growth which ruins cards. Mold spores are microscopic fungi carried through air that take hold in damp paper. Once established, mold is difficult to entirely remove and leaves behind discoloration even after treatment.
The most prudent approach is to maintain consistent, moderate humidity inside where cards are stored. This stabilizes the paper content and protects cards from wide swings in moisture that exacerbate damage. One option is specialized plastic boxes that lock in humidity through the use of conditioned silica gel packs or humidity indicator cards included. Reputable manufacturers rigorously test their containers to verify they effectively regulate humidity within the optimal range.
Certain passive methods help control indoor humidity without power or special equipment too. Placing wrapped baseball card boxes in a cellar, unconditioned basement or crawl space takes advantage of the more constant temperature and humidity underground year-round. Just be sure there is no risk of flooding or access for rodents and insects that could potentially cause secondary problems.
Hygrometers precisely monitor relative humidity levels. Having one placed inside the regular storage area is key to regularly checking conditions are satisfactory. Any indicator that rises above 50% or drops beneath 30% signals a need to make adjustments such as using a humidifier or dehumidifier temporarily depending on circumstances. Relative humidity is affected by outdoor weather, indoor air conditioning usage and number of people living in the home amongst other factors.
Ideally, cards will spend most of their time in an air conditioned home between spring and fall when indoor humidity levels are lowest naturally. Run portable dehumidifiers if needed during humid summer months to keep relative humidity under 50%. Likewise, portable humidifiers may help spike indoor levels above 30% in very dry heated winter weather. Be cautious not to overcorrect as excess moisture poses greater risks than moderate dryness to cardboard over long periods usually. Frequent small adjustments are safer than larges swings in humidity extremes.
All things considered, moderation serves collectors best. Paying close attention to storage conditions guards against premature worsening of cards’ condition that expensive repairs may not fully remedy. With a watchful eye on humidity, collectors maintain value by keeping nostalgic pieces of baseball history preserved properly for enjoyment by future generations too. Taking proactive steps to regulate relative humidity within the healthy recommended range ensures long-lasting stability for cherished cardboard memories.
