I received a whole set of Dr. Seuss Books. They were filthy when I got them. I wiped them down with some Vinegar Water and now they look like new. The only problem is that they smell somewhat moldy. I've left them in the sun for days and even took the time to microwave each book for 1 minute. Unfortunately, I still think they smell like mold so I'm thinking I should just throw them out. Thoughts or suggestions?
I know what you're talking about. I haven't had any success when books are moldy. You could pitch them and then put up a "wanted" ad on Craigslist under the wanted section and see if someone else out there has a set they are looking to get rid of. I have had good luck on "Wanted" and even found a Doroty costume for my grand daughter for Halloween last year!
I am a huge fan of vinegar fixing everything. Maybe try STRAIGHT vinegar. You could also try boiling vinegar in a microwaveable bowl, then put the bowl and the books in the microwave. If that doesn't work, try bleach water. Even diluted bleach may cause some discoloration, but maybe as a last step before throwing them away! Good Luck, those books are great, but not cheap!!
I've seen the charcoal recommendation before, but it also included placing the container in your trunk. I guess the heat helps remove the smell.
Try putting the books in the freezer overnight. Be sure not to stack them too tight to allow the air to circulate around the pages.
I hate to say this, but I would throw them out. You don't want your child to be coming into contact with mold or mildew, this will effect your childs health. My guess if they still smell bad and you have tried washing them, the stuff is within the pages, which means you can't get it out. :(
Maybe baking soda? It works in refrigerators....
Hmmm it's a shame to throw them out.
De-Stinkify Your Book
Despite your best efforts, your book smells musty or mildewed, or just old. There's an easy solution... You will need two plastic containers--one that will fit inside the other one. Pour some kitty litter in the bottom of the larger container. Place your book into the smaller container (without the lid), then put the small plastic container into the larger container. Place the lid on the larger plastic container. You can leave the book in this book de-stinkifier for a month--to remove the odor (and any moisture) from the book.
http://classiclit.about.com/od/bookcollecting/ht/aa_badod...
Try putting them in a large plastic tub with charcoal, it will absorb the odor. Good luck.
Before you do anything else, I suggest you call your local library or museum and ask for their advice. I really think they'd have the best knowledge of what to do. Once you do that, please post a message with their suggestions because I've got some old musty books as well.
Good Luck!
You will need to wipe each page down including the edges.
You can also stick a dryer sheet in between the pages to freshen it up.
How to Get the Musty Smell Out of Books
By Green2
Nothing can ruin a good read than a bad odor. While buying books secondhand is a great way to save money and preserve natural resources, it can also lead to acquiring books with a less than desirable smell of mildew. Here's some simple steps to reducing and eliminating that odor.
InstructionsDifficulty: Moderate
Things You’ll Need:
Baking soda
Kitty litter
Cedar shavings (litter for a gerbil or hamster)
Charcoal
Step1 Pour baking soda in the pages of the book or completely submerging the book in baking soda. Baking soda is a mild deodorizer that will help reduce much of the smell without damaging the book.
Step2 To use kitty litter, sift the litter in the pages of the book and around the outside of the book. Make sure it is clean litter, though, or the mildew smell will not be your only one.
Step3 To use cedar shavings or litter for gerbils and hamsters, use the same method as you would with kitty litter.
Step4 Put a layer of charcoal at the bottom of a box and place a sheet of wax paper over it. Then stand the book on top of the wax paper and try to open it so the pages fan out. This will work well with a hardback or mass market paperback. Close the box to create an enclosed chamber.
Step5 For all these methods, the length of time needed may vary depending on the strength of the smell and the strength of the deodorizer. Some may take just a few hours, some a few days, others weeks. Just be persistent.
Tips & Warnings
These procedures have the potential to damage the pages of the book, which will react to various different agents (sunlight, weathering, chemicals, time). So proceed with caution.
I can't seem to bring up any of your responses. I am putting my stuff in storage until I get this place remodeled and can move. So I was wondering if I could get your responses ( the ones that worked that is). Some of my things have a funky odor to them. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, C.
Coffee grounds. Basically the same procedure as the kitty litter, but I don't think you have to leave them in for a month. I've not tried it.... but I have been told by others that have it works.
It would be a shame to throw out all those books!!
Good luck!
Call an antique book store for advice
