Typewriter Talk / IBM Selectric Film Ribbons white dust/rot?

**Posted by ozkaya** 30-1-2023 07:52:59

Hello guys,

I have several IBM Selectric Film ribbons and some of them seem to have some white dust or rot on them. I have attached the photos. Would it be OK to use these ribbons in this condition, or would it be a problem for the machine or type quality? If so, can I do anything to save these?
https://imgur.com/NuBKrYb
https://imgur.com/75TnnyS

**Posted by OregonJim** 30-1-2023 13:12:47

It looks like mold to me, but I could be wrong. The ribbons might have been stored in a damp basement or shop at some point. If it is mold, then you run the risk of spreading it into your typewriter.

**Posted by ozkaya** 31-1-2023 01:59:14

OregonJim wrote:
It looks like mold to me, but I could be wrong. The ribbons might have been stored in a damp basement or shop at some point. If it is mold, then you run the risk of spreading it into your typewriter.

Yeah, I tried to scrub it but it is persistent, the box of the ribbons show liquid trace, so it should be mold like you say. I bought these really cheap but I guess there is no way to salvage them?

**Posted by Pete E.** 31-1-2023 12:47:48

I would not want that white powder to get in the air and breathe it in while I was typing.

**Posted by CoronaJoe** 04-2-2023 21:21:48

They're trash. The white is from off-gassing plasticizers and then the stuff crumbles into your machine. Don't risk it on a Selectric..