Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500043
06/24/03
Removing Mildew From Paper and Books
In damp summer weather, keep papers and books as dry
as possible to help control mold growth. If you have an
enclosed bookcase, keep a small electric light lit
continuously in the bookcase or use a chemical
dehumidifier, keeping the doors closed as tightly as
possible.
Remove any dry,loose mold from paper with a clean,
soft cloth. If mildewed paper is damp, dry it first--in
an airy place, if possible.
To dry wallpaper, heat the room for several hours or
even days to dry the plaster as well as the paper. Plaster
should be dried slowly to prevent cracking.
If mildewed paper is washable, wipe it gently with a
cloth wrung out of thick soapsuds, then with clear water.
Take care not to wet the paper more than necessary. Do not
scrub it. Finally pat with a soft, dry cloth. If stains
remain, bleach with a solution of a household bleach, then
sponge with a cloth wrung out of clear water. For small
stains, a commercial ink eradicator may be useful.
Spread pages of books out fanwise to air. If the
books are very damp, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder
between the leaves to take up the moisture. Leave starch
or powder on for several hours then brush off.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA
bulletin, Mildew.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .