posted on September 10, 2000 04:52:07 PM
I don't know, but I read on here one time what NOT to do. Someone had put dryer sheets between the pages and it affected the pages somehow, so don't try that!
posted on September 10, 2000 05:04:27 PM
It's impossible. You may be advised of ways to try but in the long term nothing will be
effective. If a book smells of smoke or must, it's not worth selling.
posted on September 10, 2000 05:18:52 PM
Too bad cambercat didn't ask "How do you get the most out of books." Then we could have had a nice discussion.
I too have read of solutions for mustiness, but they're generally acknowledged to be short-term, or will damage the book. Febreeze and literature do not mix, no matter what you hear to the contrary.
posted on September 10, 2000 05:46:24 PM
cambercat -
Much depends on the actual odor ... if the book is badly infested with mold it is almost unsalvageable (and seldom worth the effort). Moldy books can infect other books with mold!
DO NOT USE COVERUPS: dryer sheets, Febreze, etc. will merely add their odor to the book odor.
For the run of the mill "old bookstore" smell, you can try airing the book out for a few days, set on one end and pages fanned open.
More serious cases can often be deodorized by placing them in an air-tight container with a couple inches of kitty litter on ethe bottom. Place a rack of some sort in the container so the books won't touch the litter, stand the book on end and fan the pages, seal the lid for a couple of weeks, then check.
posted on September 10, 2000 08:15:32 PM
I was at a Library Sale today and they had a sign posted with instructions on how to get rid of musty odors. They suggest putting the book in an airtight container or plastic bag with charcoal briquettes for one month. They also say to make sure the book is open.
posted on September 11, 2000 12:19:08 AM
yes, my suggestion would have been the airtight container with baking soda, not touching the books as abacaxi posted. Probably anything odor-absorbing would work- cat litter, dr scholls foot powder, whatevah...
