OT: Need advice about old books that smelll like mildew

On Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:21:15 -0400, Dreamweaver wrote (in article ):

Someone once told me to try a microwave oven. That seems dangerous to me.

Take a look at

Library of Congress

Lee

rarebirdyatverizondotnet

Park Ridge, NJ

I don't recall the answer off the top of my head, but the question has been asked on Usenet so many times that there ought to be plenty of info. on it... Yep, sure enough - just google +"musty smell" +"old books" for about 4200 hits., and good luck - it isn't easy! ;^)

Doc

To narrow your search down quite a bit, see what 'Heloise' recommends. Our newspaper doesn't carry Heloise anymore and I do sorely miss her sensible solutions. Polly

I don't recall the answer off the top of my head, but the question has been asked on Usenet so many times that there ought to be plenty of info. on it... Yep, sure enough - just google +"musty smell" +"old books" for about 4200 hits., and good luck - it isn't easy! ;^)

Doc

On Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:21:15 -0500, Dreamweaver wrote (in article ):

I've never tried this so I don't know if it works, but my Martha Stewart's Homekeeping book (yeah, I know, I know--it was a moment of weakness) suggests placing the book in a room with good air circulation , standing it upright, and fanning out the pages for a few hours, and then repeating this process for several days/weeks until the smell dissapates. She also suggests interleaving the pages with Microchamber Interweaving paper. No idea what that is or how expensive it is.

HTH, Maureen

Go to a library or genealogy site for the definitive answer!

I don't trust my memory but it seems there's something to do with milk!

Judy from Mass

I did this with a book I bought from Abebooks, which is a craft book published in the early 70s and I think it was stored in some musty place since then. I stood it upright, fanned out the pages and stood it near an open window in our bedroom. About 2 weeks later and it's much improved!

-- Jo in Scotland

Put a layer of cat litter in the bottom of a large sealable plastic box, put the book on top (on a tray or plastic box so that it doesn't touch the litter). Then seal the outer box and leave for a few days. I would think if you stood the book on its end and slightly open it would be best.

Haven't tried it, but it makes sense. You can also use charcoal briquettes, but I think the litter would feel cleaner.

Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

Dreamweaver wrote:

Hey! Don't you apologize for buying that book. It's a great book full of good information.

Just because it's become a cottage industry to demonize MS, you simply cannot overlook the fact that she has a terrific (and lucrative!) way of delivering information. Nobody thinks Tips from Mary Ellen is a Bad Thing. But then Mary Ellen isn't especially threatening to people.

Cindy

On Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:40:09 -0500, teleflora wrote (in article ):

LOL! I do find that the MS book is packed full of info. When you just have to know how to clean something or get out the stains, I turn to the MS book.

Maureen

I spoze I feel about MS the way some people feel about crescent moons & swastikas... (joke!) We have 3 sources we go to:

1. The book, "How to Clean Just About Anything"
2. Our cooperative extension (online or by phone)
3. General internet search

Doc

My SIL was successful curing many books with sunshine. She placed the books on a table near her garage door, making sure the pages were fanned out. She opened the garage door everyday to expose the books to sunshine. It took a few weeks, but I don't know how long each book was on the table. This is similar to the suggestions of Maureen and Jo. HTH. PAT in VA/USA