How to Save Water Damaged Books

Saving water damaged books isn't as difficult as you might imagine, provided that the damage sustained is caught within a reasonable amount of time, and you are prepared to devote some time to help save them. Follow these tips to restore books that have sustained water damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Put on a long-sleeved shirt and clean, protective latex gloves.

2. Verify that the book does not contain mold. If the book has mold on it, it is best to let a professional treat the water damaged book. Presence of mold can require wearing a respirator and can cause illness.

3. Absorb excess wetness using a clean sponge, cloth towel or paper towels. Each of these items should be ink-free to prevent ink transfer.

4. Turn on a fan to its highest speed.

5. Get pieces of wax paper that are bigger than the book's pages and covers. Place the wax papers between the front and back covers and the first and last pages of the book.

6. Stand the book on its bottom or top edges. You should place the open book in the room so that it is not facing the fan but will reap the benefits of the air circulation. After a few hours, turn the book to stand on the opposite edge.

7. Change out the pieces of wax paper as they absorb moisture.

8. Take the book off its edges after it has dried. Though the book will have dried as much as possible, it will still retain a little moisture and feel cool. Place the book on a hard, weighty surface and put something heavy on top of the book to make sure that the pages don't distort. Particle board and bricks will do.

9. Check the book for mold growth regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're looking for a quick fix before you take a book to a professional conservator, freeze your book within 48 hours of the sustained damage.
• If your book has water damage on many pages, you may need to put wax paper or paper towels between each individual sheet that is wet. Don't put too many sheets in at once, though. This can damage the spine.
• Avoid blotting on ink that was written on the book's pages or on areas that are particularly fragile.
• Avoid standing a book on its front edges.
• Avoid drying books in direct sunlight.