How can I get a musty odor out of some books?
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Tip #1 — Submerge book in dry deodorized (unused) cat litter for a week or two in an airtight container (plastic bag or a box sealed with tape).
Tip #2 — You can also use baking soda instead of the cat litter listed above but the book does not have to be submerged because baking soda will naturally absorb the bad odor by being in the same container.
Tip # 3 -While fanning book upside down, spray lightly with Lysol spray (aerosol type). Store book in zip lock plastic bag or a plastic bag with a twist tie for two or three days.
Tip #4- Place a saucer of white vinegar inside the middle of a box. Make sure box is about four to six inches wider and taller than book. Next place 4 small objects around the saucer (thread spools, small glasses, etc.) inside the box. Then place smelly book flat on top of the small objects so there will be air flow completely around the book. Then seal box with tape and let set for 8-24 hours. DO NOT ALLOW VINEGAR TO COME IN CONTACT WITH BOOK. Expect the book to smell like vinegar for a day or two. But it's certainly better than having a musty or smoky odor!
Brace them open on a table in the sun so the odor hopefully can bake out. There is always Febreze. You could burn candles in a room (not near them) candles help eliminate odors. Stand all of the books on end so they will fan open to release the odor into the room.
Good Luck
Air dry but also try putting dryer sheets throughout the book changing them out on different pages this will take out odor.
I think you should put the books in the Sun rays for few hours, try, maybe you will get good result.
Take a old rag and wet with a mix of vinegar and water.Then litely wipe the edge of the pages(hold firmly closed)and then put in front of a fan to dry.wipe cover the same way.Sunlite and air will do the trick,with help pf vinegar.
Place them out doors for several hours IN THE SHADE so you don't fade the pages. The fresh air should do it. You may have to open the book and brace it open. Make sure you check it for foreign objects before closing it again.
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