Books hold more than just stories—they carry memories, knowledge, and sometimes a bit of grime or an unpleasant smell. If you’re here, you might be facing a dusty, moldy, or stained book and want to clean it without damaging it. Let’s see how to clean your books the right way.

How often should you clean your collection?

Cleaning your books regularly keeps them in top shape. Dusting every few weeks works well for open displays, while collections in less accessible areas can be cleaned every three to six months. In humid or dusty environments, clean more often to protect against dirt, grease, and pests.

How to safely remove grime, mold, and stubborn stains

Books can accumulate grime, mold, and various stains over time. Addressing these issues as soon as possible is key to preserving their condition.

Grime

Grime can make your book lose brightness and attract more dirt over time. Here’s how to gently clean it away:

1. Use a soft brush or cloth to sweep away dirt.
2. Try a vulcanized rubber eraser to remove tough spots of grime.
3. Then, slightly dampen a cloth with water and wipe carefully (avoid over-wetting).

Mold

Mold is a serious issue that can spread quickly if not dealt with. Keep your collection safe by following these steps:

1. Isolate the affected books to prevent mold from spreading.
2. Use a soft brush to remove surface spores.
3. Wipe the area with a cloth lightly dampened with a mix of water and rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol).
4. For small mold spots on covers, you can make a mold-cleaning solution by mixing 10-15 drops of essential cinnamon oil with a half-gallon of water and one-third of a cup of vinegar, then wipe the area with a cotton swab dampened with the solution.
5. Place it in a well-ventilated area and expose it to the sunlight; exposure to the sun's UV rays can help eliminate mold spores.

Water-based Stains

Stains make your book look neglected. Luckily, water-based stains are relatively easy to clean. Here’s how:

1. Apply a few drops of water to the stain.
2. Then, scrub the stained area with a damp microfiber cloth and a drop of dish soap.
3. Finally, grab a clean, damp cloth and wipe off the soapy residue.

Oily stains

Oily stains are particularly stubborn and can damage your book if not handled properly. Here’s what to do:

1. Lay a dry paper towel over the oily stain.
2. Gently press the towel with an iron set to its lowest heat, just enough to warm the oil.
3. Remove the towel once it no longer soaks up any oil.
4. Lightly press the spot with a fresh, dry paper towel.
5. Some stains can be improved with a commercial book cleaner putty, which you can buy online or in a cleaning products store.

How to clean book covers

Book covers protect your collection and require specific care based on the material. Here’s how to clean each type:

Paperback books

Paperback covers are delicate and can easily warp if overwet. Clean them carefully using these tips:

1. With a soft brush, clean dirt and dust.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with alcohol and use it to rub off stains.
3. Apply a drop of dish soap on the cloth after rinsing and wring it.
4. Clean the book cover, and be careful not to over-wet.
5. Wipe away any dampness or stain with a dry microfiber cloth.

Leather Covers

Leather covers need conditioning to stay supple and crack-free. Follow these steps to keep them in great shape:

1. Dust with a soft brush.
2. Grab a microfiber cloth and damp it, then apply saddle soap.
3. Wipe down the book and remove any remaining moisture with a dry microfiber cloth.

Cloth Hardcovers

Cloth covers can attract dust and stains, requiring gentle cleaning methods. Here’s how to keep them looking good:

1. Brush off loose dirt and dust.
2. Wipe off stains with a gum eraser.
3. Wipe down the fabric cover with a dampened microfiber cloth.
4. Remove any moisture with a dry cloth.

How to clean book edges

Book edges can accumulate dust and grime over time, especially when stored openly. Here’s how to clean those edges without damaging the pages:

1. Grab a vacuum and cover the tube with a cloth to weaken the suction.
2. Vacuum the edges of your book.
3. Clean delicate page edges with a clean toothbrush.

How to remove bugs and mouse droppings from books

Books stored in attics, basements, or old shelves can sometimes attract pests like insects or rodents. Properly handling these problems is crucial to maintain your collection’s integrity.

Bugs

Insects can damage your books and spread to others quickly. Here’s how to stop them in their tracks:

1. Isolate the affected books from the rest of your collection.
2. Remove any visible bugs carefully with tweezers.
3. Clean the area with a lightly dampened cloth.
4. Freeze the book in a sealed plastic bag for a few weeks to kill the bugs.
5. If this doesn’t work, try using pesticides carefully.

Mouse droppings

Rodent droppings are not only unsightly but can also carry disease. Safely clean them up with these steps:

1. Wear gloves when handling affected books.
2. Carefully remove droppings with tweezers and dispose of them in a sealed bag.
3. Clean the area with a cloth dampened with a mild disinfectant.
4. Leave the book outdoors in the sunlight for several hours to completely disinfect it.
5. Thoroughly wash your hands afterward.

Preventing infestations

Pest prevention is key to keeping your collection safe. Here’s how to make sure bugs and rodents stay away:

• Store books in a cool, dry place.
• Keep your bookshelves clean and free of dust.
• Regularly check for signs of pests.
• Place cedar blocks in your bookshelves to naturally deter insects.

How to banish unwanted odors from your books

If your books have picked an unpleasant smell, don’t worry. These simple steps can help:

• Place the book in a sealed container with an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal for a few days to absorb the smell.
• Avoid letting the powder touch the book itself.
• Use unscented dryer sheets in the container with the book to help eliminate the smell.

Odor prevention tips

Preventing odors before the start is the best way to keep your books fresh. Follow these tips:

• Store books in a well-ventilated area, away from moisture and strong smells.
• Use a dehumidifier in humid climates to keep the air dry.
• Avoid storing books in basements or attics where temperature and humidity fluctuations are common.

Save time and effort! Let the professionals do the cleaning

Keeping your books clean is important, but so is making sure your entire home feels fresh and welcoming. Whether it’s tackling stubborn stains, refreshing your carpets, or just making your home sparkle, Rain City Maids is here to help.

Contact us today for professional house cleaning services!