Q&A for How to Clean a Book

Sadly, some stains are too stubborn to remove without doing damage to your book. If the methods discussed in the article, especially using an art gum eraser, didn't work on your stain, you may need to accept that it's permanent. Do not try to use a cleaning solution containing bleach on the stains, as you'll damage the page.

Get a damp tissue and a dry tissue. Dab the marks with the wet tissue, then dry them with the dry tissue. Repeat these steps until the fingerprints have been removed. You can dry the pages with a hairdryer at the end if you need to.

Close the book and clamp it tightly shut. Then take a small, clean paint brush and stroke the dirty area(s) in one direction, going away from the spine.

Iron the pages with the crinkled parts on the lowest setting.

You should be able to remove dirt using a soft cloth or brush. For scratches on the plastic, try using a commercial plastic polish. You can rub a bit of polish onto scratches with a soft cloth. Use this polish only on materials that are plastic, and be sure to keep it from getting on the pages of your book.

Try using some nail polish remover, it may help, in some cases it doesn't though

Place the book in a plastic bag and freeze it for 48 hours.

You can use a soft tissue that is slightly wet to gently wipe off dried mud. If the mud is not yet dry, there is no need to dampen the tissue as you should be able to gently wipe the mud off of the book.

Use your thumb to remove the lead, or you can gently erase it using an eraser.

If the food is has residue left, scrape off with a plastic spoon. Then, gently sponge with a SLIGHTLY damp sponge or paper towel.

This depends on what the "stuff" is. If it's dust, just using a dry soft cloth may work. With mildew and sticky substances, methylated spirits may work (only use meths in a well-ventilated area). If it's a stain, you may be out of luck - cleaning substances that would remove stains would probably also damage the cover, especially if it's leather.

Unfortunately, one pages begin to yellow, there's no real way to reverse the process. This yellowing of pages occurs as books age, or are exposed to sunlight or humidity. If you can, prevent yellowing from affecting your other books by storing them away from direct sunlight and in low-humidity areas. Avoid the attic and basement.

Put a small amount of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a cotton ball (too much can ruin the book). A couple of rubs should remove the stain.

Yes. Simply leaving the book alone for 5 days will also be long enough for most germs (including coronaviruses) to die off. Be aware that freezing temperatures will damage leather covers.

To clean a book with glossy pages, start by gently brushing off loose dirt with a soft brush. Then, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, dampen a lint-free cloth in the solution, and wring it out well. Lightly wipe the pages, being careful not to scratch or let liquid seep into the edges.

To clean a book with mold, first air dry it in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight. Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from mold spores. Gently brush off the mold outside or in a ventilated space, starting from the spine outward. Briefly expose the book to sunlight to kill remaining spores. For stubborn mold, apply cornstarch or baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, then brush it off.

First, remove as much vomit as possible using a soft scraper, like a plastic knife, being gentle to avoid damaging the book. Next, sprinkle baking soda on the affected areas to absorb moisture and odors. Let it sit for a few hours, then gently brush it off. If the book has a hardcover, wipe it with a slightly damp cloth mixed with mild soap, taking care not to wet the pages. For slightly stained pages, lightly dab them with a dry, soft cloth or gently rub with a soft eraser, being very careful to avoid tearing.

Wear gloves to protect your hands and the book. Use a dry-cleaning sponge to gently dab at the soot on the cover and pages without rubbing. Then, with a soft brush like a paintbrush or makeup brush, gently brush off any loosened soot, starting at the spine. For stubborn soot, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the affected areas, let it sit for a few hours to absorb oils and soot, and then gently brush it off.

To remove dark fingerprints from book pages, use a gentle approach to avoid damage. Start with a dry erase method, using a soft cloth or dry sponge eraser in circular motions for light smudges. For oily smudges, apply cornstarch or talcum powder, let it sit, and then brush away with a soft brush. For stubborn marks, use an art gum eraser, dabbing or rolling it gently over the area.

To deal with the odor, sprinkle baking soda liberally between the pages and let the book sit open in a well-ventilated area for several days. Baking soda helps absorb both moisture and odors. If the smell persists, repeat the process or leave the book in an enclosed space with activated charcoal or coffee grounds, which can also help absorb odors.

To clean old fabric-covered books, start by gently dusting them with a soft brush. If available, use a vacuum with a small brush attachment on a low setting for more dust removal. For persistent dirt, use a dry cleaning sponge. If necessary, mix a small amount of mild soap with water, dab with a soft cloth, and rinse with a damp cloth to remove soap.