- How should I store my books?
- What should I do with moldy books?
- How can I get rid of the smell of mold/mildew in my books?
- Can I save my wet books?
- I've seen silverfish in some of my books. What should I do?
The most important factor in long-term preservation of books and most paper-based materials is a stable environment. In a home setting, temperatures of 60-70 degrees F and a relative humidity of 40-50% should be maintained year round, with as little fluctuation as possible. Books, documents, photographs, textiles, etc. should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from windows, radiators, air conditioning units, plumbing and water pipes in an area with good air circulation. Avoid storing these materials in a basement (too damp) or attic (too hot) where they will be exposed to rapid and frequent changes in temperature and humidity.
rotect books with sentimental and/or monetary value from environmental pollutants, light and dust by placing them in custom-fitted, archival enclosures.
What should I do with moldy books?
Mold is a hazard to both books/paper and humans. Protective clothing, gloves and a mask should be worn while handling moldy materials. Do not attempt to clean moldy materials in the home or office as this will spread the mold spores through the air and, possibly, any HVAC system.
If faced with a small number of moldy materials, one may attempt to clean them using a HEPA vacuum or, if that is not available, a soft brush used outdoors. Determine if the mold is active or dormant. Active mold will normally smudge whereas dormant mold will brush off. If you find active mold growth, do not attempt to clean it off until the material it is on is completely dry. Allow the materials to dry out completely, using the methods below. Change the storage conditions of the materials as necessary to prevent further mold outbreaks.
How can I get rid of the smell of mold/mildew in my books?
Materials with this smell have usually been housed in an environment with high relative humidity. Check for active or dormant mold growth. Move the materials to a drier environment that allows air to circulate freely around them. As the materials lose moisture to the circulating air, the smell should dissipate as the biological growth that causes it goes dormant. This process may take some time.
Small numbers of books or documents may be treated by placing them in a micro-chamber along with an absorbent material. A large plastic tub with a lid that seals well may be used as such a chamber. Put 2-3 inches of clean, unscented, cat litter in the bottom of the tub. Choose a cat litter that contains activated charcoal or zeolites. Build a platform of non-absorbent materials upon which to place the books. Fan the books and place them on the platform, close the lid. Some people have had success using commercial odor-absorbing bags of zeolites such as "Smelleze", "Odorzout" and "Zeofresh".
Can I save my wet books?
Generally, yes. Books can be air-dried or frozen and dried at a later date. Most importantly, act immediately, or as soon as possible, after the books have gotten wet. Especially in warm and/or humid conditions, mold can begin to grow in 24-48 hours. Air dry as much as the collection as possible, keeping in mind that the books will likely distort as they dry. Some vendors that offer vaccum freeze drying are:
Munters Moisture Control Service
P.O.Box 640
79 Monroe Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
800-422-6379/800-686-8377ocument Reprocessors
5611 Water St.
Middlesex, NY 14507
585-554-4500 / 888-437-9464
American Freeze Dry
39 Lindsey Ave.
Runnemede, NJ 08078
800-817-1007 / 856-546-0777
Emergency number 609-458-0510
I've seen silverfish in some of my books. What should I do?
Silverfish feed on the proteins and starches found in various book materials and prefer a dark, moist environment. The most important thing you can do is control the temperature and humidity of the environment to make it inhospitable to silverfish and other book pests. Sealing cracks, repairing water leaks or other sources of high humidity, cleaning and aerating bookcases regularly can also help eliminate silverfish. Commercial baits and powders may be harmful to humans, pets, and/or the objects infested and should be used with caution.