How do I remove mold from old books without damaging them?
Mold spores can be very toxic depending on exactly what sort of mold it is and how much of it there is in the area of the book. You should dry the book either in sunlight or in a safe space in the home or office. The first thing to do is modify/clean the environment where the book/books are stored. Cleaning Books and Paper is appropriate once the mold has been inactivated. Vacuuming is the most effective way to remove mold spores from books and paper because it doesn’t spread the spores around. You must use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Ordinary vacuums should be used outdoors ONLY, their filters don’t trap mold spores, rather they circulate them back into the air. Vacuum mold from flat paper documents through a screen to avoid damage. For books use the nozzle or brush attachment covered with cheesecloth. If needed, residual mold can be wiped from bindings with dry or slightly damp cloth. http://www.solinet.net/preservation/leaflets/leaflets_templ.cfm?d
