Mould can be a common problem for home owners with book collections and even public libraries. Mould refers to over 100,000 species of fungi that can grow anywhere that conditions allow, like carpets, sofas, walls and even your book shelf.
Mould occurs when the conditions are right for it to grow, which means damp, humid and warm places that fungi love.
Mould on books usually shows up when the books have gotten damp and have not been able to dry out.
The thin pages of the books act collectively like a sponge, and start to attract moisture and usually start to have that old book smell.
Mould can pose a threat to home owners, and it is generally not great for your health, so getting rid of it is important.
Removing mould from your books will ensure that your favourite books are around for the future, and keep the residents of your home safe.
Prevent Mould From Occurring
Mould loves dark and humid places that do not have very much airflow, like the boxes in your attic where your old books just so happen to be stored.
Therefor the best way to prevent mould from happening in the first place is to keep your book on your shelves.
Also, make sure you keep your books and shelves clean and free from dust and debris, as this will attract mould.
Removing Mould
Before you commence any mould removal efforts, give your books a good inspection and make sure they are completely dry.
Start by gently wiping or brushing the cover, taking your time not to damage anything.
If there is mould on the inside cover, the current way of removal is to place the book in the freezer overnight.
Many people suggest using a hover to lightly suck up all existing mould traces, but this is not completely effective.
