Old books

I had the same problem with some old books and after searching round the web found that absorbent cat litter seemed to be the cure recommended by several book dealers. As I had no cat litter I sealed some of the books in a plastic sack with an air freshener but this wasn’t very effective.
The books have been in a heap in my computer room for 3 or 4 months now and the central heating seems to have dried them out and got rid of the smell but it did take a long time.

I had the same problem with some old books and after searching round the web found that absorbent cat litter seemed to be the cure recommended by several book dealers. As I had no cat litter I sealed some of the books in a plastic sack with an air freshener but this wasn’t very effective.
The books have been in a heap in my computer room for 3 or 4 months now and the central heating seems to have dried them out and got rid of the smell but it did take a long time.

Sorry for your loss.

I recenly bought a copy of the Putnam Bristol book from a used dealer via Amazon.
The book was like new but had a musty/tobacco smell.
I fanned it a bit and stood it up to air it out, while in that position i gave it a shot of Fabreeze, which is an odor eliminator (not an air freshioner) we have here.
It’s much better now.

I was wondering if dryer sheets could also be placed in old books, especialy on edges which seem to be the worst areas.

Sorry for your loss.

I recenly bought a copy of the Putnam Bristol book from a used dealer via Amazon.
The book was like new but had a musty/tobacco smell.
I fanned it a bit and stood it up to air it out, while in that position i gave it a shot of Fabreeze, which is an odor eliminator (not an air freshioner) we have here.
It’s much better now.

I was wondering if dryer sheets could also be placed in old books, especialy on edges which seem to be the worst areas.

My condolences to you and the family. Difficult times.

There seems to be some sensible advice on dealing with the mustiness – just be careful about putting the books somewhere too dry or in full sunlight. If they are slightly damp and you dry them too much, hard back covers can warp – and need care to straighten.

Best wishes

AllanK

My condolences to you and the family. Difficult times.

There seems to be some sensible advice on dealing with the mustiness – just be careful about putting the books somewhere too dry or in full sunlight. If they are slightly damp and you dry them too much, hard back covers can warp – and need care to straighten.

Best wishes

AllanK

Seems to be a common problem… and many of the answers linked below could be construed as old wives tales…

http://classiclit.about.com/od/bookcollecting/ht/aa_badodor.htm
http://askville.amazon.com/musty-odor-books-rid/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=4794691
http://askville.amazon.com/rid-book%27s-musty-smell/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=366813

If Google is anything to go by, baking soda and cat litter seems to be popular suggestions, see links for full details…

Cheers
Pete

Seems to be a common problem… and many of the answers linked below could be construed as old wives tales…

http://classiclit.about.com/od/bookcollecting/ht/aa_badodor.htm
http://askville.amazon.com/musty-odor-books-rid/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=4794691
http://askville.amazon.com/rid-book%27s-musty-smell/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=366813

If Google is anything to go by, baking soda and cat litter seems to be popular suggestions, see links for full details…

Cheers
Pete

Condolences on your loss. 🙁

Your memory is correct with the newspaper method. Put sheets of newspaper between pages, it is not necessary to do each page. Put the books in boxes with additional screwed up newspaper and keep for three days, sealed. Bob’s your Uncle. 🙂

Condolences on your loss. 🙁

Your memory is correct with the newspaper method. Put sheets of newspaper between pages, it is not necessary to do each page. Put the books in boxes with additional screwed up newspaper and keep for three days, sealed. Bob’s your Uncle. 🙂