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.