Is there any way to remove the musty smell from books which have been stored for a long time, without damaging them? | Notes and Queries (2024)

FAQs

Is there any way to remove the musty smell from books which have been stored for a long time, without damaging them? | Notes and Queries? ›

Avoid placing books in direct sunlight, as this may cause further damage. Place dry books in an airtight container, along with an open box of baking soda. Keep the books in the container until the musty smell disappears. This may take up to a week for hard-back books.

Re: that musty smell

I've used a mix of things but baking soda usually had the best results. I use a plastic tupperware box with a lid that seals it shut. Then I put lots and lots of baking soda all over the bottom of it (more then a box, sometimes 2 boxes). then i put something to elevate the book on the baking soda.

Smelling an old book is generally considered safe and is a common practice among book lovers. However, it is important to note that some people may have allergic reactions or respiratory issues due to the dust or mold that can accumulate in old books.

When disinfecting old books, “you can probably get away with using disinfectant, like 70 percent rubbing alcohol,” says Jason Tetro, microbiologist and author of The Germ Files. If you don't want to apply rubbing alcohol to book covers, you can use mild soap and water as an alternative.

If you are on a budget, musty smells can be absorbed by setting out an open container or baking soda, white vinegar, even cat litter. Heck, even dryer sheets placed in built-in cabinets and closets can help. Another stronger option is setting out bags of odor neutralizers that use activated charcoal.

Place dry books in an airtight container, along with an open box of baking soda. Keep the books in the container until the musty smell disappears. This may take up to a week for hard-back books.

If you identify mold or mildew on any of your books, magazines, or paper ephemera, remove them from your collection immediately!

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is another effective mould removal agent. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, and lightly dab the mixture onto the mould-infested areas using a clean cloth or sponge. Allow the book to air dry completely before handling.

Human Health Risks

Some molds that grow on library collections pose a health hazard to people. Mold spores are introduced to the human body by inhalation and through small breaks in the skin. Although serious consequences are rare, active mold can cause respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, and infections.

Use a soft brush on each affected page to remove any mold or mildew. Next lightly dampen the impacted area with hydrogen peroxide or diluted alcohol, applied with a clean towel or paper towel, to eliminate the opportunity for this fungus to regrow. Remove the wax paper after the diluted alcohol has dried.

How do you clean old books that have been in storage? ›

Use a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove stains and buildup. Rinse the cloth, wring it, and apply a drop of liquid dish soap. Wipe down the book cover and spine without getting the page edges wet. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any residue.

If your book is only damp, stand the book upside down (top down) and fan the pages. Support the book with bookends or unopened cans of food (remove labels so ink won't stain your book). Turn the book over every few hours to dry its edges, and re-fan the pages at the same time.

Musty smells are often created by dust and poor ventilation, once you get some fresh air in the house it should remove odors considerably.

Use Newspaper. If you have an item that absolutely can't be washed, such as a blazer or jacket, you can use newspaper to remove musty smells. Stuff the pockets and sleeves with newspaper and place the item in a sealed plastic bag. In a day or two, the newspaper will absorb the musty odor.

To get the last of the musty smell out of your house, use a natural odor absorber like activated charcoal or baking soda. These products will absorb the smell, so you'll want to throw them away and replace them every two weeks or so.

As lignin oxidizes, it breaks down into acids that eat away at paper's cellulose and turn the pages yellow. All of these processes of decay throw off volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that impart a distinctive smell to aging books.

Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and gently apply it to the affected areas using a soft cloth. Once the vinegar has dried, wipe the book with a clean, dry cloth.

Regular ventilation

Ventilation can remove the musty air that causes a buildup of bad odours.