Unfortunately, that smell can be an indication of improper storage in a cold, damp basement or uninsulated attic, leaving it open to mold and mildew growth. these fungi are the most common culprits of the familiar “old book smell,” but that smell is the least of the possible detrimental effects.
Mold and mildew live on organic material (leather, wood, paper, fabric) and over time their presence can weaken the book’s structure, stain the cover and pages, and cause negative health effects. especially for people. with allergies or asthma.
You are reading: White mold on books
It’s important to identify active mold and mildew growth and remove it before it spreads throughout your library!
identification
Mold: Mold is a type of fungus that can and will grow on anything, as long as it can find a food source and adequate moisture for growth. it can develop in patches of threads, thick cobwebs, or fuzzy spots, and appears most often on natural porous surfaces such as cotton, linen, silk, wool, leather, and paper. it reproduces by sending clouds of spores, so it has the ability to “jump” from one book to another.
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You probably have mold growth on your book if you notice any of the following problems:
- the presence of fuzzy growth, in almost any color you can imagine
- white, fibrous filaments extending through porous surfaces
- evidence of water damage in the past
- strange spots or stains
mold: mold is often accompanied by fungus. while they share some similarities, they are not the same type of fungus. however, any moldy or otherwise dirty surface can provide a nutrient source for mold, and beyond that, it requires the optimal temperature and humidity level for it to appear and spread like wildfire.
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You probably have mold growth on your book if you notice any of the following problems:
- “old book smell” – That pervasive odor is often caused by mildew, even after removing it
- a fine mist, patch of stains, or a layer of dust settling flakes, usually white, black or gray on the surface of the book or paper
If you find mold or mildew on any of your books, magazines, or paper ephemera, remove them from your collection immediately!
prevention
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Moisture is the number one condition for mold and mildew growth. it is the moisture in the still, quiet air that allows mold spores to grow and spread. think damp basements, musty attics, or clothes left in the washing machine too long—these are prime habitats for mold growth.
- keep your books on a shelf that gets decent airflow, not in a closet, basement, or against an outside wall of the house.
- maintain good air circulation by using fans . if possible, use an air conditioner during the hot summer months and a heater during the cold winter months to maintain a temperature of around 70 degrees fahrenheit (21 degrees centigrade).
- a dehumidifier should help keep humidity below 60 percent, but only when necessary. books that are too dry can become damaged and crack.
- While houseplants are a beautiful addition to a room, your library might be better off without them; or at least keep them off shelves.
- dust the tops of your books regularly, as a clean surface is less attractive to spores.
- some book collectors rely on the light use of lavender essential oil directly on the shelf, as it is antifungal, but this will scent the books and may cause discoloration.
- It is also suggested to keep a small electric light on on the shelf, but this can also cause your books to discolor over time.
care and removal
Whether you’re a casual bibliophile or a serious collector, chances are your books mean a lot to you. If you don’t feel confident handling your precious books using the following methods, find a local conservator who can professionally clean your collection or rebind them if all else fails.
Remember that mold and mildew can be harmful to you and your precious library! be careful and wear a mask over your nose and mouth to reduce the impact on your health.
removal of mold and mildew from the exterior of a dry book:
- If you can see growth on your book cover, you can use a fine brush or a very soft cloth to gently remove the mildew. Alternatively, a hepa filter vacuum hose attachment with a thin cloth or dryer sheet over the nozzle can be an effective remedy for removing mold growth from the book cover.
- For a paperback, you can use a soft cloth slightly dampened with denatured alcohol to kill mildew. use light, gentle strokes to avoid damaging the glossy paper/cover, and be sure to remove excess liquid and dry the book thoroughly but carefully.
- For a cloth, leather, or other hardcover binding, you can spot clean with denatured alcohol, but be sure to test an out-of-the-way corner for color changes or deterioration.
remove mold and mildew growth from dry book pages:
- slide a sheet of waxed paper under the moldy page to protect the page behind it. As in the previous step, use a soft brush to carefully remove any obvious mold or mildew. moisten a soft cloth with hydrogen peroxide or denatured alcohol and treat with care
remove mold and mildew growth from a wet book:
- do not attempt to brush or clean mildew from your damp books, as it is likely to stain and stain the surface, as well as further polishing it onto your book. you should dry your book and then treat the mold problem.
If you can’t work on drying and cleaning a damp book right away, place it in a resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer. let it thaw once you’re ready to try the following methods to dry your book:
- place absorbent sheets (paper towels, rags, etc.) between each page of the book and wrap it in a towel. place a heavy weight on top to squeeze out moisture. You will need to replace absorbent materials frequently. repeat until book is damp, not soggy.
- Air circulation is very helpful in drying the book. You can use fans or hair dryers to speed up the drying process, but air directed at books over a long period of time can warp the cover, boards, and pages.
- If your climate allows, place books in direct sunlight, as exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can help kill mold spores. remember; however, that light can cause damage and discoloration, so bring your books in after an hour in the sun.
- You can completely dry out a damp book by sprinkling cornstarch between the pages and letting it sit in a plastic bag or box for a couple of hours. the cornstarch will absorb excess moisture. when you remove the book, use a soft brush to clean off the cornstarch and repeat as needed.
musty odor still lingers after mold and mildew removal:
- If your book is free of mold and mildew, but still smells bad, you can sprinkle baking soda on a sealed container or bag and place the book inside for a couple of hours. baking soda is quite effective at absorbing odor. activated carbon can be substituted at this step. again, repeat as needed.
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