Books have been there for you every step of the way—Sunday mornings spent lying in bed, all-nighters spent studying, and maybe even a coffee or two spilled along the way. Over time, they collect dust, stains, and that musty smell.
Don’t worry, though! A little TLC will go a long way in making them new again. Let’s take it one step at a time to return your books to their former glory.
Step 1. Brush Off the Dust Bunnies
Let’s eliminate surface dust first. Soft microfiber cloth (or, yes, even an old tee shirt) is great for rubbing the cover, spine, and edges of the book when closed. For tough dust along page edges, a soft paintbrush is ideal. One rule: don’t blow on your books! Your breathing brings moisture with it, and that’s the fast path to getting dust stuck.
Step 2. Approach Stains with Gentle Care
Life occurs, and so do stains. Whether it’s a coffee ring or greasy fingerprints, here’s how to repair it:
- Covers: If your book has a glossy cover, a lightly dampened cloth with a drop of dish soap should work. For fabric or leather covers, use a dry cloth or a leather-safe cleaner.
- Pages: Be extremely careful. A white eraser will erase pencil marks, and a damp cotton swab used carefully will remove oily stains—dab, never rub! Slow and steady wins the day.
Step 3. Say Goodbye to Musty Smells and Mold
A smelly book can destroy the pleasure of reading, but there is a quick fix! If you notice mold, act quickly—place the book in a dry, well-ventilated place and brush off spores with a soft-bristled brush. If it’s only a smell, place the book in a plastic bag with an open container of baking soda (not in contact) for a few days. Fresh pages, we come!
Step 4. Keep Your Bookshelf Looking Sharp
Now your books are clean, let’s maintain them that way. Stand them up on a dry, cool shelf—away from sunlight unless you like that old, yellowed-pages look. For antique or precious books, consider investing in acid-free book covers to make them that little bit more secure.
Repair and Restore Old Books
Some books have had better times—loose pages, broken spines, or frayed edges. If you have a book that requires minor repair, apply archival-quality glue to mend loose bindings and acid-free tape to mend small tears. For books with fragile pages, leave them flat instead of standing upright to avoid further damage. A bit of extra care can keep your favorite classics in good shape for years to come!
Why a Clean Bookshelf Feels So Good
It’s not just about looks—caring for your books is about keeping the stories, wisdom, and memories within them. Whether it’s your childhood favorite, a family passed-down cookbook, or a secondhand bookstore discovery, a bit of TLC keeps them on your bookshelves for years to come.
Feeling Motivated? Let’s Clean Up Some More!
Looking at your books clean and new may just motivate you to attack the rest of your area. But life gets in the way, and that’s where we step in! We’ll take care of the cleaning so you can return to what’s important—like snuggling up with your favorite novel.