Community Chat

[luvluvluv]

I recently purchased a few old books at an antique store, and they have a bit of a musty smell. Does anyone have suggestions on how to get rid of the "mustiness?"

[ennui1]

Can you open them up in the sunshine for a few hours?

[dancingwoman]

I remember reading something about putting them in the microwave..but can't really remember what it was..maybe google it and see what you get..DW

[insomniac]

Put odorous books in a stack of newspapers and ignore them for a few days.

They'll be fine.

[luvluvluv]

Thanks for the ideas - I appreciate it!

[lovescats]

from wikihow try kitty litter

Using an absorbent to remove moldy or musty odors

It's assumed that by this stage, you've dried the book or simply have a dry book and you now want it to be odor-free to enable it to be read again.

1Try kitty litter. You'll need a large container, like a Rubbermaid tub and a smaller container, as well as an absorbent, like baking soda, cat litter, or charcoal.

Fill the larger container halfway with kitty litter.

Place your smelly book or books in the bottom of the smaller container. Place the container above the kitty litter inside the larger container.

Seal the larger container tightly, and leave the book to sit in the absorbent for a few days.

Check every few days. If the odor has gone, remove the book or books and dust down (a new paintbrush is ideal for dusting with). If not, repeat until the book smells a lot better.

Store in a clean, dry place to avoid reintroducing the mildew or musty odor.

Activated charcoal or charcoal briquettes can be substituted for kitty litter in the method outlined above. Just be careful not to bring the book into direct contact with the charcoal or it may sustain blackening marks.