Book Smell

[History]

I got a book last week on the 36th ID , it is like a high school anual that was made for the soldiers of the same. It has a small amount of water stains but the big problem is it was in a smokers house and stinks awful. I used to smoke and am not slamming smokers (but you guys smell awful ) . Is there a way or method to clean the pages and not damage the book? Thanks

[ramon]

Among my collecting interests, books are very important to me.

When I come across a book that reeks of stale smoke or mustiness, I stand the book up and open the covers to allow the pages to fan. I place the book thusly on my back deck outside on a nice sunny day and allow the fresh air to waft through it. Some sunlight on the pages is not a bad thing, just don't overdo the exposure to the sun. The main thing is to allow fresh air to circulate through it. In time, you'll notice a decided improvement in the smell.

Remember that paper is a porous material that acts like a sponge. The best time, in my anecdotal experience, to do this is in the Fall or Spring when the humidity is lower in NC where I live.

Good luck.

Ramon

[History]

Thanks ramon I had actualy thought about doing that (let it air out) but I was afraid the sun would bleach it. I guess it would if left out long enough. I will try what you mentioned and monitor it so it doesnt get fried in the sun. Thanks for a reply.

[blinky]

Well, you don't have to put it in directly in the sunshine....

Just make sure a bird doesn't poop on it. I've had experience with that happening

eric

[Michael Fay]

Some old timey used book store guys (now long gone) told me that they used to put smelly books in a sealed bag with charcoal and it would clean up smells. I assume they meant the kind of charcoal that is used in the maintenance of fish aquarium s. Personally I never even tried to do this one. Like the other members have said,I just put it out in the sun for awhile...but on a dry day...never an overly humid day...I dont want mold to get a chance to live in my books.

[JHoll72]

I have used a Bounce dryer sheet to remove the smoke smell from items in the past. Seal it in a bag with the sheet and the smell disappears.

[pitts duncan]

try a box fan

place a box fan on the kitchen counter. put an ac filter over it and openup the book ontop of it. turn on low speed and allow the air from an airconditioned house to pass over it all night, about 10 hours. this will not only remove smells but humidity as well. ac air in the house is usually 50 percent or so humidity. its much like making beef jerky! place the fan paralell to the counter top supported by four glasses, pull air through from top to bottom

[entasis]

i believe the smell you are getting is not just humidity but mold as well.

i keep such books away from my other books. as noted earlier. a little dose of UV from the sun will do it well and of course a low humidity environment.