How to Repair Damaged Books

Oftentimes, books are in need of a little rescue/refurbishing to get them looking like new. Depending on the problem, you may be able to save your books. This guide addresses some common problem that may plague your books.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oven
• Plastic Bag
• Freezer
• Cloves or bay leaves
• Baby Wipes
• Vinegar

1. 
    

   DAMP OR WET BOOKS: Dry in an oven at the very lowest heat. To dry individual pages, place toilet paper between each page and let the book dry flat with a light weight place on top. This will help keep the pages from curling.

2. 
    

   INSECTS: Place the book in a plastic bag and leave the bag in the freezer for a couple of days. After they are back on the shelf, deter insects from re-visiting by placing bags of cloves or bay leaves behind them.

3. 
    

   MILDEW: Use a baby wipe or a damp cloth dipped in white vinegar to carefully remove mildew from the book. Or, try to vacuum it off. Then, set the book in direct sunlight for 30 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• If the book is set in sunlight for more than 30 minutes, the pages will yellow.

[Desula]

on 6/7/2008 Thanks for these ideas on saving old books.

[akchrist]

on 6/5/2008 great article thanks.

[Gracie1402]

on 6/4/2008 wow, this is such great information!

[momandpopoften]

on 6/3/2008 I've heard that if you discovered a book has gotten wet and you don't have time to deal with it you can stick it in the freezer until you have time to deal with it.

[Elizabethknows]

on 6/2/2008 another great ehow thanks never knew any of this.