Old books are valuable treasures and can even have a high selling value. However, usually old books have a characteristic musty smell. While drying the pages and using an absorbent to remove the musty odor, you can also get rid of the mildew smell from your favorite books.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Aerating the Book to Get Rid of the Musty Smell
Step 1. Aerate each page of the book
Place the book on the table in a standing position. Air the book pages carefully. If your fingers can't separate the pages that are stuck together without tearing them, use a letter opener and tweezers to separate each page. Alternatively, direct the wind from the top of the book to aerate the pages.
Step 2. Use a hairdryer to dry the wet pages
If you want to dry the book faster, you can point the blow dryer at the pages of the book. Use the warm air setting to prevent the book from being damaged by heat exposure. Keep the dryer on the book in an upright position until all the pages are dry.
Step 3. Allow the book to stand to dry in a place free from moisture
Choose a warm place in the house or place the book in the sun. Only place the book in direct sunlight if it doesn't have a high selling value. Exposure to direct sunlight can fade books and cause permanent damage, discoloration, and curling of pages, especially in older books. Make sure each page is dry before you put the book back on the shelf.
Part 2 of 4: Using Absorbents to Get Rid of Odors
Step 1. Use a silica gel bag to remove moisture
You can buy silica gel jars from arts and crafts stores. This product keeps things dry by absorbing moisture. Place a silica gel bag between the pages of the book and let it sit for about three days. If you're worried about damaging the pages, just let the silica gel sit for a day.
Step 2. Use cat litter (litter)
You will need a large container (eg a basin) and a small container. Place the cat litter in a large container until it is half filled. Sand acts as an odor absorber. After that, put the book in a small container. Place the container in a large container filled with cat litter.
- Leave the book for a few days. Check the condition of the book every few days. When the smell has gone, remove the book and clean it of dust (a new paint brush is ideal for removing dust from books). If not, repeat the process until the book no longer smells musty.
- Store books in a clean and dry place so they don't get moldy again.
Step 3. Use baking soda
Place a bowl of baking soda in a box or plastic container. Put the book (this method is suitable for more than one book) into the box or container, and screw the lid on the box/container tightly. Let stand for 48-72 hours, then check the condition of the book. Repeat this process until the smell disappears.
Another approach if you live in a sunny, dry climate: Sprinkle baking soda between every 10 pages. Leave the book open during the day for several days in a row while occasionally turning the pages. Continue the procedure until the book no longer smells musty. This approach is not always effective for all mold or musty odors, but can be followed for some other types of odors. However, this procedure is not recommended for valuable or antique books
Step 4. Slide the newspaper between the pages of the book
Place a sheet of newsprint between every few pages of the book. Leave the paper on the book for 3-5 days. Do not use this method for valuable or old books as newsprint is acidic and the ink may transfer to the pages of the book.
Part 3 of 4: Covering up the Musty Smell
Step 1. Use a fabric softener sheet
This product can absorb odors from fabrics and has the same function for books. However, again, the oil contained in the softener sheet can damage the book so be careful when following this method. Cut the softener sheet into thirds, and slip the strips into every 20 pages of a musty-smelling book. Store the book in a clip/zipper bag for a few days. After that, the musty smell will disappear. You can try the following steps:
This method is suitable for preventing musty odors in books. Simply tuck a sheet of fabric softener into every fifth of the book, or place the sheet on a bookshelf
Step 2. Cut the lining paper in the scented drawer into small squares
Place the pieces in the book. Use 2-3 pieces of paper, depending on the size of the book. After that, put the book in a plastic clip bag. Store the bag in a dry place for 1-2 weeks.
Check if the fragrance has transferred to the book. Continue the process until the book no longer smells musty
Step 3. Use essential oils
Pour a few drops of an essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil onto a cotton swab, then place the cotton in a plastic clip bag. Put the book in the bag and close the seal. Get the book out after a few days. Due to the risk of oil stains, follow this procedure for books that are less expensive, but you need/want to read (eg printed books).
Part 4 of 4: Storing Books Well
Step 1. Check the storage area from the start
The storage area should be dry and moderate in temperature because cold air creates humidity, while hot air can dry out the pages of a book and cause it to break. Excess humidity is not good for books so you need to find a storage space/area that doesn't dampen or reduce humidity levels.
- Check for leaks, mold development, and humidity levels in the attic or basement.
- Also check if there is an unpleasant odor or signs of mold development in the storage space/media before you store the book.
Step 2. Use suitable containers/storage containers
Choose a plastic box if the warehouse/storage room is prone to leaks or moisture. Also, put a bag of silica gel in the container in case condensation occurs at any time.
Step 3. Plan the storage of books on the shelves well
Don't fill your closet with books. Make sure that there is adequate air circulation between each book. Check and make sure the cabinets don't stick to cold, moldy, or damp walls.
Step 4. Use dust-proof plastic wrap on the book
Transparent wrapping like this will keep moisture from your favorite books. Compared to changing covers or book bindings, replacing plastic wrap like this is much easier and cheaper. Therefore, the use of dust-proof plastic wrap is an affordable solution.
Tips
Not all musty odors are caused by mold or other contamination. If the book shows no signs of water damage or stains, and is stored in an environment that is not exposed to smoke, but still has a musty smell, the acid content of the paper may have oxidized excessively. Musty odor due to acid degradation is unavoidable, which occurs due to aging and exposure to heat
Warning
- If an existing book is a valuable collection, do nothing before seeking advice or seeking professional help from an archive maintenance or book restoration service. Stores selling rare books can be a great place to seek advice on book cleaning and care.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, other sources of heat (e.g. radiators, metal storage containers/walls), and bright light sources (e.g. plant-only lamps or halogen lamps near bookshelves) for long periods of time. This exposure can accelerate book damage due to the acid content of the paper.
