Old fusty smelling books.

[HeadGardener]

Is there anything that can be used on old fusty smelling books to reduce or eliminate the smell?

[Janetex]

I love that smell, unless it's really bad from dampness. Put the dry book in a plastic container with carb soda or kitty litter, this will absorb the smell.

[HeadGardener]

Hi Janetex, thanks for answer I shall certainly give both of your sugestions a go. I think one of my books is suffering from bad dampness, is the treatment you mentioned the same for bad dampness or is there another solution?

[Janetex]

Books really need to be dry first. For the dampness, put the book in a very low electric oven, get out and fan the pages often, or use blow dryer or heater (heat kills any little bugs too).

[incitatus]

for mild dampness, just put the book in a bag with a couple of tea bags. works a treat. I love that musty smell. almost erotic.

[Tefler]

After drying the books out (using one of the methods suggested) try polishing the covers with a little furniture polish - provided that they are not valuable, that is.