There are few things as annoying or as inconvenient as getting one of your most important possessions completely wet. While it can be frustrating getting wet clothes, they dry out with no real issues. Same with most plastic or metal surfaces. But if the item you get wet is your promotional diary or organiser, well, that's a little more complicated!

1. Remove stains with simple techniques.
2. Store diaries properly to prevent damage.
3. Keep your branded diary pristine.

Reviving Soggy Marketing Journal

It's no secret that water and paper aren't the best of friends. When a paper or cardboard product comes into contact with a drink or damp surface, it, unfortunately, absorbs all it can. This talent for absorbancy is what makes paper such a great material to write on (as it absorbs the ink you use) but when you add some extra wetness to the mix? Not so much. There's a simple method to help salvage your precious diary or important notebook -- it involves paper towels as well as some time and care.

1. The first step is to get some paper towels and place on the front and back of the diary. Push down gently so the towels will absorb any excess moisture on these outer elements.
2. After this, insert some paper towels every 20 pages or so in the custom diary ensuring the full page is covered. It's important you don't open the diary too deeply as the spine is fragile when wet, so open the book minimally if possible.
3. Gently press again, ensuring even distribution of pressure across the diary. Repeat until all pages are dry.
4. Stand the book up and fan out its pages. Leave to dry overnight, preferably with a gentle fan blowing on it.
5. The next day (or whenever the pages are suitably dry) place your personalised diary between two boards. Place heavy objects evenly on the top board and leave to flatted for around 48 hours.

After this final flattening process your diary should be good to go. Take it out from between the boards and enjoy your lovely flat pages that don't have that horrible curved wet look anymore~! This method works well for branded notebooks and notepads as well, give it a try next time you get caught in the rain or with a spilled drink.

How to Remove Diary Stains

Even with careful handling, occasionally, your custom branded diary will get a bit dirty with water stains or ink marks on the pages. Removing these blemishes can be a daunting task, and if done incorrectly, it can lead to more damage to the notebook. Follow these tips to remove stubborn stains:

• Rubbing alcohol: Dip a cotton ball or clean rag into rubbing alcohol and rub over the ink stain. The alcohol breaks down the ink particles and removes the stain from the diary.
• Wet wipes: If there's a light stain, using a damp cloth or wet wipe can help clean the pages without leaving any residue. Use a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving small particles or fibres on the pages.
• Hairspray: Spray hairspray onto the affected area and leave it for about 30 seconds. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe the stain away gently. Hairspray is perfect for water-based stains like coffee and wine.
• Baking soda and toothpaste: To remove stubborn stains, mix some baking soda and a bit of toothpaste to make a tacky paste. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area gently and leave the paste to dry for about 30 minutes before brushing it away.

How to Store Diaries Properly

One of the biggest threats to paper-based products is exposure to moisture, dust, and light. Consider the following tips to store your personalised diary effectively:

• Keep it in a dry place: Moisture has the same effect on paper as it does on a piece of bread – it makes it soft and fragile. Thus, it's crucial to keep your diary in a dry place away from any moisture.
• Avoid sunlight: UV rays can cause significant damage to the pages of your diary. Keep your diary in a sunless area to prevent fading, yellowing, or even melting of the adhesive used in binding the diary.
• Use silica gel packets: Silica gel packets are effective in preventing moisture buildup in small spaces; thus, putting some packets in your diary storage area can absorb any moisture that may accumulate in the area.
• Store it upright: Storing your diary flat can cause irregular bending and can lead to pages cracking or breaking. Instead, store it upright on a bookshelf or cabinet.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your custom branded diaries are a crucial tool in your day-to-day life, so it's essential to handle it with care. Follow the above tips to ensure that it remains in good condition and serves you for a long time. Maintaining your diary's original quality and appearance ensures that your message, brand, or logo stays immaculate throughout the diary's lifespan.

Technique first spotted here: http://mentalfloss.com/article/504493/how-rescue-wet-book