I followed some of the instructions from the websites I listed earlier this week for cleaning vintage books. Particular problems this book had were some mildew spots on the cover, some red stains, and a musty smell. To clean it I used a cotton pad and some rubbing alcohol to clean up the mildew spots. I spot tested the book first to make sure it wouldn’t fade the ink on the cover. Then I proceeded to rub lightly in a circular motion with the cotton pad until almost all of the mildew spots were gone. The alcohol did not remove the red stains though.

Then I opened the pages and set the book on the front porch in indirect sunlight to air out the smell. After a few hours outside the book smelled much fresher. I am really happy with the results. It is much more readable, but not quite clean enough that I would sell it. Now we can curl up on the couch and read together without sneezing and smelling like we’re in an attic.