Old books are a good link to the past.It is easy to remove dust, stains and pencil marks.It is possible to repair more serious damage from insects, acid, or damp.You might want to place the antique in the hands of a professional if you're treating it.
Step 1: Dust off the edges of the building.
Blow the dust off the pages when the book is shut.Dust can be removed with a paint brush or toothbrush.
Step 2: smudges and pencil marks can be erased with an art gum eraser.
This is softer than a rubber eraser, but you should still use it with care to avoid tearing the paper.Only one direction to work with the art gum eraser.
Step 3: Absorene book cleaner can be used to remove serious residue from books.
This is a soft and flexible substance that can be used to remove smudges and smoke from pages.Roll it gently to pick up the dirt.
Step 4: The leather bound volumes are clean.
A soft cloth is used to apply clear shoe polish.Make sure the corner of the book doesn't have any ink.After removing the dirt, wipe off the polish with a clean cloth.
Step 5: There is a clean fabric cover.
Carefully clean fabric covers.The risk of damage or mold increases when a cloth is wet with fabric softener.Before storing, make sure the book is completely dried.
Step 6: The last resort is to wipe with a damp cloth.
Only paperback covers and waterproof dust jackets are recommended.If you accept the risk of further damage, you can try this on dirt.Take a cloth made from microfiber or another lint-free material.Put the cloth in the hot water and wring it out.Wrap a towel around the cloth and wring it out.The cloth should be barely damp now that it has been removed.Carefully wipe away dirt from the cover and the page edges.Immediately after, buff with a dry cloth.
Step 7: It's a good idea to clean off the sticky mess.
A little baby oil or cooking oil can be found on a piece of cotton wool.Work in until the glue lifts.A piece of cotton wool can be used to remove the oil.Some material may be stained by oil.First, test on a corner.
Step 8: Absorbs smells.
If the book smells musty, put it in a container with something that can absorb odors.Place the book on the newspaper with a dusting of talcum powder or fill a sock with cat litter.This will be most effective if the sun is shining.Dappled shade will reduce color fading.
Step 9: It's a good idea to dry out the wet books.
Books which have been damaged need to be dried slowly.An airing cupboard is ideal, but you may use a surface next to a window.If you want the air to circulate, open the book and turn over a few pages at regular intervals.Press under the heavy books to flatten the pages.Don't use a hair dryer, oven, or fan.Pages can be damaged and loosened from the spine.
Step 10: Books are frozen because of pests.
If the book is full of tiny holes, or if bits of paper fall off when you move it, it could be a problem.If you want to prevent further damage, seal the book in a freezer bag.Place the bag in the freezer for a while.
Step 11: If you see signs of mold, you should check it out.
A strong musty smell is caused by mold.Any book that has been damaged by water is also at risk of mold.It's hard to repair mold damage without hiring a professional.The book should be stored in a warm, dry place.If you see a furry white or grey mold on the pages, gently wipe it away with a soft cloth.
Step 12: Repairs the book's binding.
You can either repair the binding or make a new one.It's best not to try this on rare or valuable books.
Step 13: Look for professional advice.
Librarians and rare book dealers should be able to advise on more specialized cases.If you have a valuable book, consider hiring a professional to make repairs.