Musty smelling books?
Hello gang - came upon a stash of old books, mostly hardbacks - but very musty odor- ideas on how to rid the smell?
Hello gang - came upon a stash of old books, mostly hardbacks - but very musty odor- ideas on how to rid the smell?
Applelou
Favorite Answer
And the answer is......... You never get rid of that old musty smell ! I have tried Febreeze, Glade, Odor Ban... washing off the outside of the books and then airing them open to where the pages get air. And I'm here to tell you the smell might die down some, but it never leaves. Good Luck !
eskie lover
I collect vintage and antique books, so I know the musty smell quite well. Here is how I get rid of it. Place the books in a box surrounded by crumpled newspaper and place a plastic container in the box with one of the following in it: borax, baking soda, talc powder, carpet fresh or activated charcoal. They all absorb odors. Every few days open the box and open the books to different sections. If the smell is particularly strong, you may have to change whatever odor absorbing stuff you use and the newspaper. Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks until you don't smell the mustiness. Also, check the inside covers and pages looking for brown, yellowish or gray spots. If you see them, it is mildew and you have to put them out in the sun for a couple of days to kill the spores then you can do the box treatment.
Anonymous
Spray perfume:)
veg22
air them out in your garage or outside so long as it isnt gonna rain...
Anonymous
cat litter