Old books are like a romantic bond to the past which is unfortunately quite fragile. Dust, light stains, and pencil marks are quite easy to remove. However, more serious damage from insects, acids, or moisture is difficult-but not impossible-to repair. If you enjoy collecting antiques, it may be best to leave it in professional hands.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning Dirt, Stains and Smells
Step 1. Blow the dust off the sides of the book
Hold the book closed and blow dust off the sides. Remove stubborn dust with a clean, dry paint brush or a new, soft toothbrush.
Step 2. Erase pencil marks and stains with art gum eraser
These erasers are softer than rubber erasers, but you should still use them carefully so you don't tear the paper. Remove it by rubbing the art gum eraser in only one direction.
Step 3. Remove heavy residue with Absorene book cleaner
This is a soft, flexible putty that will remove residual dirt and smoke from paper books and fabric bindings. Just roll it gently over the dirt to lift it.
Step 4. Clean the leather-bound book
Use a small amount of clear shoe polish or cleaning polish with a soft cloth. Test it in the corner of the book first to make sure no ink has been washed off. Dab the polish with a clean cloth after the dirt is removed.
Step 5. Clean the cloth cover
Carefully clean the fabric cover with an art gum eraser. If there's a lot of dirt, you'll need to moisten the fabric with fabric softener. However, be careful, this method will increase the risk of damage or mildew. Make sure the book is completely dry before putting it back.
Step 6. As a last resort, wipe the book cover with a slightly damp cloth
The use of a damp cloth is only recommended for paperback books and waterproof jackets. You can also try this step especially for stubborn dirt, if you dare to risk more severe damage. Here's how to minimize this risk:
- Take a microfibril cloth or other lint-free material.
- Rinse the cloth in very hot water, then wring it out as dry as possible.
- Wrap the microfibril cloth in a dry towel and wring it out again. Remove the cloth which should not be damp at all by now.
- Sweep the dirt off the book cover carefully and gently as you clean the sides of the paper.
- Gently pat with a dry cloth immediately after.
Step 7. Wipe off the sticky residue
Adhesive labels or other residue can be removed with a small amount of baby oil or cooking oil dripped onto a cotton swab. Press firmly and rub gently until the glue lifts. Wipe off excess oil with a clean cotton swab.
Oil can cause stains on some materials. Try on the corners first
Step 8. Absorb odors
If the book smells musty, put it in a container with a material that can absorb odors and moisture. Try filling your socks with cat litter or rice, or placing a book on top of a newspaper dusted with talcum powder.
Sunlight is the most effective. Choose a shady spot with little sun to reduce the risk of color fading
Method 2 of 2: Repairing Severe Damage
Step 1. Dry the wet book
Books that have been damaged by water, drowned, or spilled should be dried slowly and carefully. Refrigerators are ideal, but you can also place books next to a radiator or bright window. Open the book to let the air circulate. Gently open several sheets at regular intervals to prevent them from sticking. Once dry, squeeze the book under several heavy books to make the paper flat again and restore the book's appearance.
Don't be tempted to use a hairdryer, oven, or fan. These objects can damage the paper and loosen it from the spine
Step 2. Freeze the books the insects eat
If your book is full of tiny holes or the paper falls into pieces when you move it, it's possible that the book was attacked by book mites or other paper-eating insects. To prevent further damage, place the book in a sealed plastic bag and ventilate. Place the bag in the freezer for a few weeks to kill insects and their eggs.
Step 3. Check for signs of mold
Mushrooms will usually give off a very strong musty odor. Books with curled bindings, wet or fused paper, or signs of water damage are also at risk for mold. Unfortunately, this mold damage is very difficult to repair without hiring a professional. Store the book in a warm, dry place to minimize further damage.
If you see white or gray mold on the paper, wipe it off with a soft cloth
Step 4. Fix the book bindings
In severe cases, you can repair the book volume or create a new one. While the practice isn't difficult, you shouldn't do this to books that are rare or valuable.
Step 5. Seek professional advice
A librarian or rare bookseller can advise you on special cases. If you have a valuable or antique book, consider hiring a professional archivist to have it repaired.
