Introduction
Books can easily absorb odors, including the persistent smell of smoke from cigarettes, fires, or other sources. If you’re faced with this dilemma, don’t worry; there are several methods you can use to help eliminate the unwanted smell from your precious volumes. The success of each method may vary based on the intensity of the smell and how long the books have been exposed to smoke, but with a little patience, your books can be freshened up.
Using Absorbents to Remove Smoke Smell
One of the simplest ways to remove odors from books is by using materials that absorb smells. Here’s how you can do this:
Step 1: Choose an Absorbent Material
Common odor-absorbing materials include baking soda, activated charcoal, and unscented cat litter. These substances are effective at trapping odors, thus helping to remove the smell from your books.
Step 2: Place Books in a Container with the Absorbent
Take a large container with a lid and spread an even layer of your chosen absorbent at the bottom. Place the books standing upright (not stacked) in the container on top of the absorbent, ensuring they are not touching each other. If you have many books or the smell is very strong, consider putting absorbent between the pages of the books as well. However, be cautious as it might cause damage if done improperly.
Step 3: Seal and Wait
Close the container with a lid and let it sit in a cool, dry place for several days to a few weeks, depending on how strong the smoke odor is. Check the books periodically to see if the smell is diminishing.
Step 4: Remove and Clean
Once the books no longer smell of smoke, carefully remove them and use a soft brush to remove any leftover absorbent. Wipe down the covers with a dry cloth if necessary.
Airing Out
Another method to help reduce the smoke smell is to air out your books.
Step 1: Find a Well-Ventilated Area
Select a location outside where there is a consistent but gentle breeze. Make sure it’s a dry day with low humidity to prevent any moisture damage to your books.
Step 2: Protect Books from Direct Sunlight
Place the books in such a way that they are open and the pages are exposed to the fresh air. However, ensure they are in a shaded spot to prevent damage from UV rays.
Step 3: Leave Books Out for a Few Hours
Let the books sit outside for several hours, but not more than a day, frequently checking their condition. If the smell is not completely gone, this process can be repeated over multiple days.
Ozone Treatment
If the smell is particularly strong, you might consider a more advanced method like ozone treatment.
Warning about Ozone Treatment
Ozone generators can be very effective at eliminating odors, including smoke, but should be used with caution. Ozone is harmful to breathe and can cause damage to certain materials over time.
Step 1: Find a Professional Service
Due to the potential risks associated with ozone generators, it’s better to seek out a professional service that specializes in book restoration or odor removal.
Step 2: Professional Cleaning
The professionals will place your books in an ozone chamber, carefully controlling the conditions to ensure the smell is removed without damaging the books. Follow their guidance on handling the books afterward.
Conclusion
The method you choose to remove the smell of smoke from your books should depend on the severity of the odor and the value of the books. For more valuable or delicate items, it’s often best to consult a professional restorer. But for less precious books, the aforementioned home remedies should suffice. Always remember to start with the gentlest method first and progress to stronger measures if necessary.