Cleaning > BooksSeptember 12, 2011

Removing Musty Smell from Books

Old Stained Book Laying OpenBooks that have been stored or shelved for a long time can sometimes start to smell musty, especially if they have been in a slightly damp environment. Getting rid of the musty smell makes them much more enjoyable to have around and to read. This is a guide about removing the musty smell from books.

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Removing Musty Smell From Books

It is a huge pet peeve of mine, when people donate musty-smelling books to the library where we live. I have tried many different methods for trying to remove the smell, and this is the best I've found.

Take the book and place a sheet of newspaper between the pages (need not be every single page, don't worry!), then seal in a tape box surrounded by more newspaper which you've crumpled into balls for three days. The newspapers absorbs the odor, and is better than using cat litter because the litter gets caught in the pages and spines of the books.

By AlaskanAurora from Dutch Harbor, AK

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Musty Books

How do I remove the musty smell from books?

By Booklover from Galesburg, IL

 

Most Recent Answer

By PookaRina 05/10/2011

I use Snuggle dryer sheets when storing books or for moving, so maybe a week or so in a plastic bag with fresh dryer sheets might work. I also use fresh bars of Tone Soap when packing anything including books.

Good Luck

Pookarina

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