Caring for Books

Eliminate Bad Smells & Odours from Books

There is no hard and fast rule for the elimination of odours from books, so we must resort to 'tried and tested' methods used by book collectors around the world.  These unpleasant smells will often have taken some time to infuse into you books, maybe from damp, cigarette smoke or just age, and therefore a good degree of patience is required before they can be safely removed.

• Absorbant Granules - Many people use cat litter eg. Pettex, fish tank charoal or baking soda to absorb the bad odours.  Sealing the affected book in a ziplock plastic bag can speed up the process.

• Book & Antique Deodorizer Pouch - Here is an American product that may help - Smelleze™ Book & Antique Deodorizer Pouch.  They advise you to simply place the pouch with smelly books in a plastic bag or container, or glass container, and then smell the difference!  It eliminates odours and absorbs moisture, and can be re-used.

• Fresh air - leaving the book in a well ventilated room for a few days, possibly a garage, can work wonders...as long as the room is warm and dry.