How to Remove Mold and Mildew From Books
Books have the unique ability to become a part of the literary reading experience in a way that Kindle, audio books and eBooks cannot. Books, when well-cared for, can last for generations as a permanent and concrete form of knowledge and culture. However, books are especially prone to conditions like mold and mildew, which can destroy a book if left unchecked. Mold and mildew form in areas that are damp and close. However, mold and mildew can be carefully removed from books.
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Things You'll Need
- Calcium chloride
- Sealed container
- Clean, soft cloth
- Fan
- Absorene book cleaner
- Spray household cleaner
- Baking soda or cedar chips
Instructions
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1
Dry out any damp books. Put the book in an airy place, fanning out any pages while placing the book on its bottom edge.
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2
Bake a cup of calcium chloride in a 250 degree Fahrenheit oven for one hour. Place the book and the heated calcium chloride in a sealed container together, but not touching, for two to three days.
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3
Remove loose, dry mold with a soft clean cloth. A handheld vacuum may work with less delicate books to completely remove any loose mold.
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4
Rub Absorene, an eraser-like cleaner, carefully over the cover, spine, endpages and glossy pages inside the book. Use a light hand and brush away any remaining shreds.
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5
Remove musty book smells by spraying household cleaner from behind a fan pointing at the open book sitting on its end. This works for mild cases.
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6
Place the book in a sealed pail with baking soda or cedar chips without touching for a week or so until the odor is gone. This works with heavy odors.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep books in a dry, dark place if storing for a long time. If storing them in a box, you may wish to dust the pages with parafomaldehyde to retard dampness.
Mold is contagious. Keep moldy books away from non-affected books until the problem is under control.
Only clean non-valuable books at home. Antique, delicate, rare or valuable books should only be cleaned by a professional to reduce the risk of costly damage.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit book image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
