Old books can be worth a lot of money.Many old books smell musty.Between drying the pages and using an absorbent, you can remove odors from your books.
Step 1: Don't look at the pages of your book.
The book is on the table.Take out the pages gently.If you can't separate pages with your fingers, use a letter opener and tweezers.To fan the pages out, blow toward the top of your book.
Step 2: To dry the pages, use a hairdryer.
You can aim a hairdryer at the pages of your book to speed up the process.It's best to keep it on a warm setting.Continue to aim the hairdryer at the upright book.
Step 3: Books can be dried in a dry spot.
Place the book in the sun or in a warm spot inside your home.If your book isn't valuable, place it in the shade.The curling up of the pages could be caused by direct sunlight fading the book.Before returning the book to its shelf, make sure every page is dry.
Step 4: There are packets that can be used to remove moisture.
If you want to keep things dry, you can buy silica gel packets from an arts and crafts store.Leave them in the pages of your book for three days.Leave the pages in the book for a day so you don't have to worry about them.
Step 5: Try kitty litter.
You need a large container and a smaller container.Put kitty litter halfway in the larger container to act as an absorbent.The book should be placed at the bottom of the container.The larger container is filled with cat litter.For a few days, leave the book in the absorbent.You have to check every few days.If the smell is gone, remove the book and dust it off.Continue until the book smells better.Store in a dry place.
Step 6: Baking soda can be used.
Baking soda can be put into a box or bin.For more than one book, place the book inside and seal the lid.After 48 to 72 hours, check it.Continue until the odor is gone.Baking soda can be sprinkled between every 10 pages if you live in a dry area.The book can be left open for a few days in a row.Continue until it smells better.It won't work for all odors, but it can be helpful for some.This is not a good idea for antique books.
Step 7: The newspaper should be placed between the pages.
There is a sheet of newspaper between the pages of the book.The newspaper should be left in the book for a few days.Since newspaper is acidic and may transfer ink to the book, do not use this method on valuable or old books.
Step 8: The sheets should be used for fabric softener.
The sheets absorb odors from fabric and can be used for books as well.The oils in dryer sheets can cause damage to books.Cut a bunch of sheets into thirds and put them in a smelly book.The book should be kept in a bag for a few days.If you want to prevent the musty smell of books, put a piece of a fabric softener sheet in every fifth book on your bookshelf.
Step 9: Cut a piece of drawer liner.
It should be placed inside a book.Depending on the size of the book, use 1-2 pieces.Place the book inside the bag.It should be in a dry place for a week or two.Check to see if the smell has been transferred to the book.Continue until the smell improves.
Step 10: Use strong essential oils.
Add drops of essential oil to cotton balls in a sealable plastic bag.The book should be put in the plastic bag and seal.After a few days, remove your book.Because of the risk of oil spots, only read books that you want to read, such as textbooks.
Step 11: Make sure to check the storage areas.
The storage area should be dry and warm, as cold and heat can cause paper to dry out.It's bad for books to have excessive humidity, so either find storage with low humidity or reduce it.It is a good idea to check the attic and basement for leaks.It is a good idea to check your storage facility for bad odors or signs of disease before you store your book there.
Step 12: Storage containers should be used.
If the storage area is prone to leaks, choose plastic boxes.In case of condensation, add the silica gel sachets.
Step 13: Carefully plan your shelving.
Don't overfill your bookshelves.There needs to be adequate air circulation between books.Make sure that the bookshelves are not against the walls.
Step 14: Dust jackets should be added to books.
The clear jackets keep the water away from the book.Dust jackets are an affordable alternative to replace the book cover or its binding.