How to Remove Mold From Books (and Prevent It From Coming Back)
Given the health risks associated with mold , this is not what you want in or around your home. Unfortunately, flooding, humidity, and/or improper storage can lead to mold growth on just about everything we own, including our books.
Health issues aside, mold can stain the pages of books, causing them to fall apart and giving them an unmistakable musty smell. And once mold starts growing on one book, if you don’t remove it, it will likely spread to other books in your collection. Here’s how to detect, remove and prevent mold from growing on your books.
What does mold look like on books?
Some of the most common signs of mold growth on books include:
- Fuzzy growth (in any color)
- White fibrous threads covering a porous surface.
- Evidence of past water damage
- Dark spots or patches
Mold growing on a book may look like a smudge or layer of flaking powder (usually white, black, or gray) covering the book’s pages or surface.
How to remove mold from books
Unfortunately, once mold appears in or on a book, there’s nothing you can do at home to completely get rid of it and ensure it doesn’t come back. According to the American Library Association (ALA), the best thing you can do is freeze moldy books (putting them in an airtight freezer bag first) and then wipe the moldy stains with alcohol.
How to prevent mold on books
The key to preventing mold growth on books is to store them in a location that is less exposed to moisture . This means avoiding basements, closets and keeping them against the outside wall of the house. You will also want to control the humidity in the room where they are stored as much as possible. It will help to start the dehumidifier, as well as the fan (to ensure air circulation).