Ancient books are wonderful treasures that can be found and can also have economic value; however, many old books have a distinctive musty smell. By drying the pages and using an odor absorbent product, you can remove the musty stench from your beloved books.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Air Them To Remove Odor
Step 1. Fan the pages
Hold the book vertically on a table and gently unfold the pages. If you can't separate them with your fingers without tearing them, use a letter opener and tweezers; alternatively, blow from the top of the book to space them out.
Step 2. Use a hair dryer
If you want to speed up the process, you can point a hair dryer at the pages; set it to a low temperature to avoid damaging the paper with heat. Continue directing the airflow to the upright book until the pages have dried.
Step 3. Keep the book in a dry, moisture-free area
You can choose a warm place inside the house or you can expose the volume to the sun; opt for this second solution only if it is not of value, because the sun's rays can fade it and, especially if it is ancient, could disintegrate, discolor and even curl the pages irreparably. Make sure each page is dry before putting it back in place.
Part 2 of 4: Using an Absorbent Anti-Odor Product
Step 1. Use the silica sachets to wipe out the moisture
You can buy them at craft and home improvement stores, they allow you to keep items dry by attracting moisture to them. Put some of them between the pages of the book and let them act for about three days; if you are concerned that they may warp the pages, just wait one day.
Step 2. Try the kitten litter box
You need a large plastic container and a smaller one; Fill the large one halfway with the cat litter, which acts as an absorbent. Place the book on the bottom of the small container and place it in the larger container that contains the substrate.
- Leave the book undisturbed for a few days, so that the moisture is absorbed by the material; after a few days, check it. If the smell is gone, remove the book (or books) and dust it (you can use a new brush); if not, repeat the process until the book smells better.
- Keep it in a dry and clean place to prevent mold from forming again.
Step 3. Try baking soda
Pour 150 g of baking soda into a box or plastic basket. Put the book or books (this method is great for multiple volumes) inside and close the lid tightly; leave it undisturbed for 48-72 hours and then check the situation. Repeat the process until the smell is gone.
If you live in a dry and sunny region, you can try this other approach: spread a little baking soda about every 10 pages and leave the book open outside during daylight hours for a few consecutive days, turning the pages often; continue in this way until the smell is reduced. This method is not suitable for all musty or damp smells, but for some it is effective; however, it is not recommended if the book is valuable or ancient
Step 4. Put newspaper between the pages
Insert a sheet of newspaper every few pages and wait 3-5 days; however, do not proceed with this remedy if the book is antique or valuable, as newsprint is acidic and may release ink.
Part 3 of 4: Hiding the Smell
Step 1. Use the dryer fabric softener sheets
They are able to absorb odors from fibers and can therefore also be effective with books. Remember that the oils contained in these slips can damage the paper, so be very careful if you decide to follow this method. Cut a stack of these sheets into three parts and place one piece every 20 smelly pages; store the volume in a resealable bag for a few days, eventually the smell should disappear.
This remedy is also perfect for preventing stale smell; it is sufficient to put a piece of fabric softener in sheets for every five volumes in the library
Step 2. Cut a new, fragrant drawer lining square
Insert it inside the book; you can use two or three pieces, depending on the size of the book. Then place the volume in a reusable plastic bag and leave it in a dry place for a week or two.
Check if the fresh scent has moved to the book; repeat several times if necessary, until the volume starts to smell better
Step 3. Use strong essential oils
Pour a few drops of oil, such as lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree oil, onto a cotton ball and place it in a sealable plastic bag. add the book too, seal the container tightly and wait a few days. Since the oil may leave stains, do this with only the low-value books you want to read, such as school books.
Part 4 of 4: Properly Store Books
Step 1. Check the area where you want to store them in advance
It must be dry and with a temperature around 20-23 ° C, because the cold can favor humidity, while the heat can dry the paper, with the risk of it cracking. Excess moisture is bad for books, so find a place that is dry or where you can control the humidity.
- Check for leaks, mold, or moisture in the attic or basement.
- Before storing your books, make sure the room has no bad odors or signs of mold.
Step 2. Use appropriate containers
Choose plastic boxes if the environment is subject to water leaks or humidity; Also, add silica sachets if condensation forms.
Step 3. Organize your library carefully
You don't have to overfill it; make sure there is adequate air circulation between individual books and also check that the shelf is not propped against cold, moldy or damp walls.
Step 4. Add dust covers to books
These are clear coatings that keep moisture away from your beloved books; it is easier and cheaper to replace the covers rather than the book bindings themselves; therefore they represent an effective and convenient solution.
Advice
Not all musky smells are due to mold or other contaminants. If the book smells, but exhibits no water damage or stains, and comes from a place where it has never smoked, the acidic compounds in the paper may have oxidized excessively. This kind of odor is unavoidable and is caused by aging and exposure to heat
Warnings
- Avoid prolonged contact with direct sunlight, heat (such as heaters or if you store books in a metal shed) or bright light sources (plant development lamps, halogen bulbs near the bookcase, etc.); all these factors greatly accelerate the oxidation process of the paper acids.
- If the book is collectible and valuable, do not take any action before consulting a professional restorer or archival conservation specialist; antique and rare book shops are a good place to start your research.
