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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Place a piece of parchment paper underneath the affected page to protect the pages beneath it.
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Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide onto a soft washcloth, ensuring it is damp but not saturated or dripping.
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Dab the washcloth on the mold repeatedly to remove the residue that did not come off with the toothbrush.
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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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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.
