How to Get Rid of Textbook Odor
Older textbooks can often develop a musty smell due to the mold and mildew that accumulates on the pages. Mildew typically forms on books when they are stored in damp and warm locations. Since textbooks can become difficult to clean, you will want to minimize the damage to the pages and spines of the books. Instead of throwing away your books, salvage them with certain precautions to prevent long-term damage. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cornstarch
- Large plastic container
- Cardboard box
- Charcoal briquettes
- Cat litter
- Dust jackets
Instructions
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Dry off damp textbooks in the sun. Wet papers are a breeding ground for mold. Sprinkle cornstarch between the pages, and remove the cornstarch with a soft brush once the pages dry. If the books still contain a musty smell, try using a different method.
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Fill a container with unused charcoal. Fill the container one-quarter of the way full, and place the books in an open cardboard box. Place the cardboard box of books in the charcoal container, and close the lid. Allow the charcoal to absorb the odor for 2 to 3 days.
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Fill a plastic container with cat litter. If you worry about using charcoal, cat litter will absorb both the odor and any leftover moisture. Place the books in a cardboard box, and set it on top of the cat litter. Close the cat litter container, and allow the books to remain in the box for 3 to 4 days.
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Store the books in a new location. The location where you were storing them obviously caused them to become musty. Move the books to a dry and cool location.
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Protect the books with dust jackets to help to keep moisture away from the books.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not apply bleach or cleaners to the books, which will damage the pages of your books. Instead use a soft cloth to remove the mold before you begin removing the odor.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Old books lay a column on a white background image by Aliaksandr Zabudzko from Fotolia.com
