There is a link to the past in old books.Dust, stains, and pencil marks are easy to remove.It is possible to repair more serious damage from insects, acid, and damp.You might want to place the antique in the hands of a professional.
Step 1: Remove the dust from the edges.
Blow the dust off the pages when the book is shut.Dust can be removed with a clean, dry paint brush or toothbrush.
Step 2: smudges and pencil marks can be removed with an art gum eraser.
This is softer than a rubber eraser, but you should still use it with care to avoid tearing the paper.Only use the art gum eraser in one direction.
Step 3: Absorene book cleaner can be used to remove serious messes.
This is a soft and flexible substance that can be used to remove smudges and smoke from pages.Roll it gently to pick up the dirt.
Step 4: Clean leather bound volumes.
A soft cloth is used to apply clear shoe polish.Make sure the corner of the book doesn't have any ink.After removing the dirt, wipe off the polish with a clean cloth.
Step 5: There are clean fabric covers.
Carefully clean fabric covers.The risk of damage or mold increases when a cloth is wet with fabric softener.Before storing, make sure the book is completely dried.
Step 6: It is a last resort to wipe with a damp cloth.
Only paperback covers and waterproof dust jackets should be used.If you accept the risk of more damage, you can try this on dirt.This risk can be mitigated by taking a cloth made from microfiber or another lint-free material.Put the cloth in hot water and wring it out.Wrap a towel around the cloth and wring it out.The cloth should be barely damp now that it's been removed.Carefully wipe away dirt from the cover and page edges.Immediately after, buff with a dry cloth.
Step 7: It's a good idea to clean off sticky messes.
A small amount of baby oil or cooking oil can be found on a piece of cotton wool.Work in until the glue loosens.Remove the oil with a piece of cotton wool.Some material may be stained by oil.First, test on a corner.
Step 8: Absorb smells.
If the book smells musty, put it in a container with something that can absorb odors.Place the book on the newspaper with a dusting of talcum powder or fill a sock with cat litter.Sunlight will make this more effective.Dappled shade reduces color fading.
Step 9: It's a good idea to dry out wet books.
The books that have been damaged need to be dried slowly.An airing cupboard is ideal, but you may use a surface next to a window.If you want the air to circulate, open the book and turn the pages at regular intervals.Press under the heavy books to flatten the pages.Don't use a hair dryer, oven, or fan.Pages can be damaged and loosened from the spine by this.
Step 10: Books affected by pests can be frozen.
If the book is full of tiny holes or if bits of paper fall off when you move it, it could be a problem.If you want to prevent further damage, seal the book in a freezer bag.Place the bag in the freezer for a while.
Step 11: There are signs of mold.
A strong smell is caused by mold.Any book that is wet or has obvious water damage is also at risk of mold.It's hard to repair mold damage without hiring a professional.The book should be stored in a warm, dry place.If you see a furry white or grey mold on the pages, gently wipe it away with a soft cloth.
Step 12: The book's binding needs to be repaired.
You can either fix the binding or make a new one.It's best not to try this on rare or valuable books.
Step 13: Seek help from a professional.
Librarians and rare book dealers should be able to advise you on more specialized cases.If you have a valuable book, consider hiring a professional to make repairs.