How to Remove Mold From Book Pages
Lia Hammond and one other contributor
Last updated on Dec 13, 2024
Views: 1.8K
View statistics:
- Past 24 Hours:
- 6
- Past 7 Days:
- 43
- Past 30 Days:
- 190
- All Time:
- 1,828
Comments: 2
2 guide comments.
Go to guide commentsCompleted: 0 1
No one has marked this guide "completed." Will you be the first?
1 person has marked this guide "completed." It's you — great job!
Favorites: 0 1
No one has favorited (and subscribed to) this guide. Will you be the first?
1 person has favorited (and subscribed to) this guide — and that's you!
Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓You’ve probably noticed that distinctive "old book smell" when browsing a used bookstore or visiting the library. In some cases, this odor results from older books being exposed to moisture and not properly dried, which can lead to mold growth.
When a book has been exposed to water or moisture, mold can start to form on the pages over time. It's best to immediately dry any dampness from the pages. However, this repair guide focuses on addressing mold that has already developed on the pages of a book. After following these steps, your book will look as good as new!
What you need
Tools
-
-
-
Place a piece of parchment paper underneath the affected page to protect the pages beneath it.
Ask FixBot
-
-
-
Use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently brush the top layer of mold from the page.
-
-
-
Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto a soft washcloth, ensuring it is damp but not saturated or dripping.
-
-
-
Dab the washcloth on the mold repeatedly to remove the residue that did not come off with the toothbrush.
-
Stop dabbing the page with the washcloth when the remaining mold is gone.
-
-
-
-
Use a paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible from the page. Gently dab at the wet area to avoid smearing the ink or damaging the paper.
-
-
After completing all of these steps, let the book dry off for a couple of minutes, or until you noticed that the affected page is dry again. Then you will be able to read the book and/or place it back on the bookshelf.
Team
University of North Alabama, Team 1-1, Winner Fall 2024 Member of University of North Alabama, Team 1-1, Winner Fall 2024
UNA-WINNER-F24S1G1
2 Members
12 Guides authored
2 Guide Comments
I will definitely try this. I have a treasured book that I've had for years that fell prey to some horrific mould this winter.
It's worth noting at the beginning that some types of mould can seriously harm your health if inhaled. A P2 type mask (or a N95 KN95 mask) will help avoid inhaling spores, especially at the initial dry brushing stage. I'd also wear some eye protection and gloves for both the mould and the Hydrogen peroxide.
For more intensive book-mould rescue advice, the Northeast Document Conservation Center have some more detailed advice, including how to deactivate active mould, freezing and other tricks of the trade.
They are much more hard-core about safety gear than I am as they must deal with this awful stuff a lot. https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/pre...
