Eliminating Mildew from Books and Bookshelves

The best method for eliminating mildew is by reducing dampness, improving ventilation, installing exhaust fans and using dehumidifiers. Mildew is the dull black mold found in hot humid places such as shower curtains, fabrics, showers, walls and even books and bookshelves! For all librarians or book collectors out there, this can be a real problem. The question is, can books and bookshelves be saved from mildew? Here are the steps on how to eliminate mildew from books and bookshelves:

Step 1 – Check the Books

First step is to ensure the books are no longer damp. Take the book and put blotting paper or paper towels between each page.

Step 2 – Place the Book

Place the book underneath another heavy book. You may also use a covered brick or a book press to press out the books to remove the moisture. If you’re going to use a brick, cover the brick with a clean cloth to protect the book from scratches or other forms of dirt. Leave the book for 30 minutes.

Step 3 – Replace the Blotting Paper

When the 30 minutes is up; replace the blotting paper or paper towels with new sheets of paper and towels. Perform steps 2 and 3 continuously until the book becomes completely dry. This process may take a couple of days so be patient!

Step 4 – Open the Book

Position the book upright and open the book so that the pages are separated. Take a hairdryer to blow-dry the book. Keep the hair-dryer at least 6 inches away from the pages of the book.

Step 5 – Reduce Warping of Books

To reduce warping of the books, press the book under another heavy book, covered bricks or a book press. Some pages may still be warped despite performing this process.

Step 6 – Dust Loose Mildew

Once the book is completely dry, dust away any loose mildew with a fine brush.

Step 7 – Apply Hydrogen Peroxide or Denatured Alcohol

Apply hydrogen peroxide or denatured alcohol to the book with a lint-free cloth to kill the mildew. Use the towels or blotting paper to remove excess liquid. Dry the book well.

Step 8 – Dilute Peroxide Bleach or Lemon Juice

Dilute peroxide bleach or lemon juice in a container and use it to remove dark mildew stains. Carefully apply the solution and dry thoroughly afterward. If you used lemon juice, dry the book under the sun.

Step 9 – Remove Mildew

Now you may begin removing mildew from the shelves. Put on gloves and a protective mask. Prepare a mild alkali such as washing soda, trisodium phosphate or disinfectants, such as quaternary disinfectant or pentachlorophenate. Trisodium phosphate solution is made by mixing 8 to 10 tablespoons of the chemical with a gallon of water. Apply the solution and scrub the bookshelf. Clean the wood afterwards using clear water and dry it afterwards. Apply mildew-resistant paint.

Step 9 – Place a Box of Baking Soda

Place a box of baking soda beside your book shelves to protect your books and bookshelves.