Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500022
06/24/03
Care Of Books and Papers After A Flood
Dry books and papers slowly:
1. Place books on end with leaves separated.
2. When they are partially dry, pile and press books to
keep pages from crumpling.
3. Alternate drying and pressing until books are
thoroughly dry. This helps prevent mildew. Use a fan to
hasten drying.
4. If books and papers are very damp, sprinkle cornstarch
or talcum powder between the leaves to absorb moisture.
Leave powder for several hours and then brush off.
5. When books are nearly dry, apply low heat with an
electric iron. Separate the page to prevent musty odors.
This is a tedious process which you may want to use only
with valuable books.
6. When books are thoroughly dry, close them and use C-
clamps to help them retain their shape.
Even if books and papers appear to have dried
successfully, they may disintegrate rapidly because of
materials in the flood water. Any important documents or
paper should be photocopied as a precautionary measure.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA
Disaster Handbook.
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 .