Feedback sought for article on removing odor from books

We are doing a short segment on tips to help remove odors from musty
old books, and I was wondering if I could get some professional
input as to the following methods' effectiveness. Also, if you have
any suggestions, they are welcome. I will gladly give anyone
contribution credit in Biblio Magazine for their submissions.

    Refreshening Old Books

    Prevention: Keep books dry at all times, preferably in a
    temperature/humidity-controlled environment. Mold and mildew are
    the principle causes of foul odors.

    Products: Sulphate, potash, oxalic acid, Dri-Rite (calcium
    chloride), vacuum ovens (will remove odors and moisture).

    Misting Agents: Vinegar, Lysol, isopropyl alcohol, perfume. Air
    Fresheners: Charcoal, baking soda, clay (kitty) litter.
    Techniques:

        a.  Place the book on a foundation (to allow air
            circulation) near freshener in an enclosed area, set
            overnight. Don't allow deodorizers to actually touch
            books; wrap them in breathable material such as
            cheesecloth.

        b.  Wipe with chemically treated sponges or putties.

        c.  Heat in conventional oven set at low temperature until
            sufficiently dried.

        d.  Try sealing the book in a plastic bag with odor
            substitutes: desiccants, coffee grounds, carpet
            cleaner, incense, cedar chips; or use odor absorbers
            such as crumpled sheets of paper.

        e.  Air-dry the book in a moisture-free environment.

    Odors deep within a book can seldom be diminished. They may
    improve after initial treatment but may return after book is
    exposed to moisture. Try one of these methods:

        Spread cedar chips over musty books; mix potpourri with
        silica gel and sprinkle over and around books; or use talcum
        powder or baking soda and brush off when odor has
        disappeared.

        Build a small chamber for them by putting a cardboard box
        into a plastic trash bag. Then stand the books open, put one
        drop of the deodorant onto a glass dish in the corner of the
        box, and tie up the plastic bag. Check the books daily, at
        which time another drop of deodorant can be added. Mild
        smells are gone in a couple of days, and nasty problems can
        take a week to cure.

    Other remedies:

        woodruff, an odiferous herb biocide
        Chitinase
        dehumidifiers

Sincerely,

Rye Armstrong
Assistant Editor
Biblio Magazine
<URL:http://www.bibliomag.com/>

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:29
               Distributed: Thursday, September 25, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-29-003
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