The Handy Way You Can Use Baby Powder In Your Home Library

For some of us bibliophiles, the books in our library are more precious to us than gold. And if you own a first edition or vintage leather-bound book, it might even be worth as much. That's why we need to protect our books while they are stored in our homes. The key to protecting your paperback treasures might already be in your bathroom. This baby powder hack offers an easy and inexpensive way to save your most beloved pages from mold damage.

While some of us might love that "old book smell," it could be mildew, which can be harmful to your health. Mold and mildew grow in places where there is high humidity and moisture. Since mold feeds off organic organisms like paper, your books can grow some of this sticky, funk-causing odor that can lead to discoloration and broken binding. 

Opening the pages of a moldy book can cause you to breathe in mold spores with every page you turn. This can be prevented and remedied by sprinkling some baby powder in your book to suck up excess mildew-causing moisture.

If a few spores are visible or if you are sensitive to mold, you'll want to mask up and put on some gloves so you don't come into contact with the spores. Those who are immunocompromised, or have allergies or respiratory issues should avoid contact with mold, per Northeast Document Conservation Center. You should consider hiring a professional if you have a large mold infestation. This hack is only suitable for prevention and books that are slightly dampened with mildew.

Take your book and pour your baby powder over and in between the pages and on the covers. Next, you'll want to wrap your book in brown paper and let it sit for a few days. This will ensure that the moisture, mildew, and musty scents are fully absorbed into the powder and paper. 

After a few days, place some paper down and stand your book on top of it so that any remaining powder falls onto the paper and not onto your floor or table. Use a soft-bristled brush to dislodge any of the remaining baby powder. This method will air out your book pages and keep them dry. Just be sure to store your books in a place with low humidity to fend off more mold.