How to Clean and Preserve Your Favorite Books: A Comprehensive Guide

With frequent usage and toting about, your favorite books may become dirty, dusty, or even stained. While it’s best to take antique or overly fragile books to conservationists for cleaning and preservation, you can clean newer books that are in relatively good condition by yourself at home. You’ll need to collect a few crucial supplies and be prepared to use a gentle hand to properly clean and care for your treasured tomes.

Method 1: Performing a General Clean

1. Start with the outside edges of the book: Keep the book firmly closed and use a soft cloth or toothbrush to gently brush the edges of the pages. Start at the top, or head, and wipe away from the spine. Continue with the fore-edge and the tail of the book. Use extreme caution with any tears or damaged edges.

2. Brush the spine and outer boards: Wipe the spine with your cloth or brush, moving in one direction only. Be careful of any damaged edges or decorations.

3. Use your vacuum for heavy dust or mold: Use an extremely soft brush attachment on the lowest setting to gently vacuum up dirt, moving in one direction.

4. Clean the dust jacket: Use a soft cloth to gently brush off any dust or dirt.

5. Clean the pages: Carefully open the book, set it in wedges, and use a soft cloth or toothbrush to wipe the pages from the center outwards, removing dust as you go.

6. Address mustiness: Place the book in a plastic bag with baking soda or unscented cat litter to absorb musty smells.

Method 2: Getting Rid of Marks & Smudges

1. Use an artgum eraser for smudges: Erase in one direction only and brush away crumbs with a soft cloth.

2. Address insect infestations by freezing: Seal the book in a plastic bag and freeze for 24 hours to kill any remaining infestation.

3. Employ a book cleaner putty for stubborn smudges: Roll the putty in your hands to warm it up, then gently rub it over the pages or cloth cover.

4. Remove oil stains with absorbent paper towels: Place paper towels between the pages, close the book, and weigh it down. Repeat as necessary.

5. Clean smudges off your dust jacket: Use a document cleaning pad or petroleum jelly, depending on the material of the jacket.

By following these methods, you can effectively clean and preserve your beloved books, ensuring they remain in good condition for years to come.