Your Bookshelf May Be Hiding A Mold Problem & You Have No Idea

From hot and humid bathrooms to damp and dark basements, you know the common places mold likes to party. However, there's another unexpected spot those sneaky mold spores like to hide – on your bookshelf. This decorative storage piece in your home office or bedroom may be tidy, but if that living space is poorly ventilated or often above 60% humidity, mold could be lurking between those book pages. As long as moisture and oxygen are present, mold can thrive. And since books are primarily paper, an organic material, they can be a breeding ground for fungi.

Understandably, most bookshelves and bookcases serve primarily as decor. Even if you're an active reader, there are probably several books on the shelves that sit stagnant for months at a time. So, if your bookshelf cleaning routine is the occasional "dust and go," it may be time to start checking between the books too. Crack open some of the undisturbed novels and brush through a few pages. If you see any fuzzy white particles or strange spots and stains or it has a musty "old book" smell, these are all telltale signs of mold.

Once you discover mold in your books, you'll need to act quickly to prevent further damage. While moldy books aren't necessarily dangerous, those spores can quickly release into the air and spread to your other books and belongings in the home. Also, allergies and respiratory problems are common symptoms from exposure to mold. Thankfully, there are easy ways to clean mold, where some books may be salvageable if the growth is minimal.

To preserve the pages, you'll want to remove any visible mold or mildew with a soft brush or cloth, dampened with hydrogen peroxide or denatured alcohol (like Quality Chemical's Denatured Alcohol). As for the exterior, repeat the same method for a soft-covered book, but you should spot clean for hardback or leather-bound books. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself. If the mold is extensive, to where the pages are extremely discolored or have a strong odor, you may want to consider hiring a professional to do the job or just getting rid of the book altogether. (Better to buy a new one than deal with potential health risks). Moving forward, remember to check inside of those unread books from time to time and thoroughly clean all the nooks of your bookshelf.