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How to Remove Mold and Mildew From Books

Books have the unique ability to become a part of the literary reading experience in a way that Kindle, audio books and eBooks cannot. Books, when well-cared for, can last for generations as a permanent and concrete form of knowledge and culture. However, books are especially prone to conditions like mold and mildew, which can destroy a book if left unchecked. Mold and mildew form in areas that are damp and close. However, mold and mildew can be carefully removed from books.

Things You'll Need

Calcium chloride
Sealed container
Clean, soft cloth
Fan
Absorene book cleaner
Spray household cleaner
Baking soda or cedar chips

Instructions

- 1
  Dry out any damp books. Put the book in an airy place, fanning out any pages while placing the book on its bottom edge.
- 2
  Bake a cup of calcium chloride in a 250 degree Fahrenheit oven for one hour. Place the book and the heated calcium chloride in a sealed container together, but not touching, for two to three days.
- 3
  Remove loose, dry mold with a soft clean cloth. A handheld vacuum may work with less delicate books to completely remove any loose mold.
- 4
  Rub Absorene, an eraser-like cleaner, carefully over the cover, spine, endpages and glossy pages inside the book. Use a light hand and brush away any remaining shreds.
- 5
  Remove musty book smells by spraying household cleaner from behind a fan pointing at the open book sitting on its end. This works for mild cases.
- 6
  Place the book in a sealed pail with baking soda or cedar chips without touching for a week or so until the odor is gone. This works with heavy odors.

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