How to Remove Mold From Book Pages

Dernière mise à jour le December 13, 2024

10 - 30 minutes

Facile

Introduction

You’ve probably noticed that distinctive "old book smell" when browsing a used bookstore or visiting the library. In some cases, this odor results from older books being exposed to moisture and not properly dried, which can lead to mold growth.

When a book has been exposed to water or moisture, mold can start to form on the pages over time. It's best to immediately dry any dampness from the pages. However, this repair guide focuses on addressing mold that has already developed on the pages of a book. After following these steps, your book will look as good as new!

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Étape 1 How to Remove Mold From Book Pages

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Place a piece of parchment paper underneath the affected page to protect the pages beneath it.

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Use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently brush the top layer of mold from the page.
This is to only remove the surface mold. You will remove the harder parts of the mold in the following steps.

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Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto a soft washcloth, ensuring it is damp but not saturated or dripping.
If you use too much hydrogen peroxide, you run the risk of ruining the page. You can add a little more if necessary, but you can't remove it once it's on the page.

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Dab the washcloth on the mold repeatedly to remove the residue that did not come off with the toothbrush.
Stop dabbing the page with the washcloth when the remaining mold is gone.

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Use a paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible from the page. Gently dab at the wet area to avoid smearing the ink or damaging the paper.

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Leave the wax or parchment paper in place, with the page facing up to dry completely.
You can place an object on the corners of the pages to keep the book open if the book will not stay on its own.
After the page is completely dry, remove the parchment paper.

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Conclusion

After completing all of these steps, let the book dry off for a couple of minutes, or until you noticed that the affected page is dry again. Then you will be able to read the book and/or place it back on the bookshelf.