box nightmare

[gung-hoeddie]

due to the impending we have a storage room which i've used to store a few bits of furniture and so on. I'd put about a dozen action force boxes in there, due to the heavy rain last night i didn't realise that the roof above the storeroom had a leak and all the boxes are soaked and possibly screwed the toys weren't in them thank god, is there anything i can do so save them?

[The Baron]

f*ck! How soaked? Have they flumped into a single mass?

If they kind of have their shape still I would carefully separate them and lay them down flat on their largest surface. Then, bolster then inside with something non-absorbant to keep their shape.

I would then let them dry naturally. Adding heaters to the room or whatnot would most likely encourage crinkling.

No idea if it'll work, this is my best guess. Once the tops are dry turn them over and repeat.

[gung-hoeddie]

well the action force whale box has had it, the box is soaking wet. The problem i've got is i'd put other boxes inside that one, i'll have to wait untill it's dry first before i look at the others as i'm worried it'll tear the cardboard it's that wet. I'm gutted.

[The Baron]

There are other boxes inside it? You NEED to get them out before they dry completely, otherwise they'll stick to the inside and leave the print behind.

Just go extremely slowly and carefully. If something starts to give - let go.

[gung-hoeddie]

i tried that and could feel something separating so i stopped. I'm going to have to take my chances, i'm just thankful that the red shadow boxes are already at the new house safe and sound, i'd be crying now if they were damaged.

[The Baron]

Hmmm... you may just need to let it dry a tad, and then separate them before they're done.

[gung-hoeddie]

will do! thanks baron.

[The Baron]

There may be some more tips online? Do a google hunt, I would.

[gung-hoeddie]

i've been down stairs and had a look, i've managed to get the other boxes free thank christ, there is a tear in the road toad box but thats it. They are all wet though i'm going to access the damage once they are dry, only worry i've got now is that the cardboard will curl i'll have to press them if they do thats not too difficult.

[The Baron]

Well done!!

I've got an idea, if you can open out all the flaps and lay the boxes out flat, you may be able to dry them without curling. If you lay bin liners inside and on top, you may be able to weigh them down without anything sticking to the print.