Printable View
What can be done, if anything, for light mildew in the top edges of books? I have some that show staining and not sure the best way to remove it. It is in some older books with little value so I wanted to try to clean them and see how it works. Any advice is appreciated!
I'm assuming it is the top of the page block?Quote:
Originally Posted by ajw2910
Always start by cleaning with dry methods before moving on to wet methods. Brush and vacuum the area. Use an eraser if that is indicated (Perhaps not with mildew.)
Isopropyl alcohol will kill live mildew and also help release soiling from the surface. Get the high alcohol content stuff which is over 90% alcohol. It evaporates quickly and minimizes the possibility of oversaturation. Use a clean white cloth to wet the area and then absorb the soiling. Work on small areas at a time. The alcohol will kill any live mildew and the white cloth will pick up the loosened soiling. Keep using a new dry area of the cloth to absorb the soiling released by the alcohol.
Another method, which should be practiced on inexpensive books first, (or perhaps exclusively) is to sand the edge of the page block. Use this as the method of last resort. If it comes to this, let me know and I'll help with more instructions.
Thanks Brian, I will try that and let you know.
Newbie here, and this is my first comment!!!!
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this! I would have never known what to do. I have a few books (BCE's) to start out with. Thank you for sharing your insight!
Welcome!! Lots of good info all over this site!
You're welcome. And welcome to the site!Quote:
Originally Posted by Molly H.