Do you own books that smell like smoke or recently made a purchase of a book second hand only to find that the previous owner was a smoker? If you have you understand just how permeating the smell of cigarette smoke is. Fortunately, there are several ways to diminish and get rid of the odor. Try out these tips:
1. Fresh Air
Unlike humans who usually smell kind of musty after being outside (blame this on pores and sweat glands), books that smell of cigarette smoke will reek considerably less after a good airing. Hang books on a clothesline or on a railing. Flip the pages as you notice the smell to decrease. Shade is key when using this method or your book might get bleached out.
2. Potpourri
Alternatively, you can seal the book up in a tupperware container or plastic bag with potpourri. Make sure the potpourri is new and strong (and definitely a smell you prefer!) Check on it after about a day - you might need to leave the book inside longer or refresh the ingredients. Afterward dispose of the potpourri.
3. Dryer Sheets
Stick some dryer sheets between several of the book pages before placing the book in a plastic ziplock. You shouldn't require more than four or five sheets. Scented or non-scented sheets both work fine. Check after a few days. I haven't done this but some people have suggested using the sweater rack for your dryer and placing the book on the rack and setting your dryer on low for a short period of time. If you choose to do that, be very careful with your settings and watch the book. We don't want fires!
4. Cedar chips.
Not only does cedar keep moths away it can keep the odoriferous smell of smoke away. Cedar chips can be purchased from a pet store and hardware stores. Once again place the book in a large plastic bag. Add a couple handfuls of cedar chips. As usual, check after a few days, refresh cedar chips if necessary.
5. Baking Soda.
After use don't use the baking soda to cook with! Baking soda in a plastic bag or tupperware container will also get rid of the smell. Baking soda is more of a neutralizer than cedar chips and potpourri because it won't replace the smell of smoke with a new scent. This takes between two and three days. Vacuum up the leftover baking soda and it will also freshen up your vacuum. Two birds with one stone?
6. Charcoal bricks.
Put one to two quarts into bag with book and after use discard. I don't know who would choose this method but it is an option as it seems to be trading out smoke for well let's face it a charcoal smell. BBQ anyone?
What are your tips?
Originally posted 2009-01-30 05:17:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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8 comments ↓
Hmmm. I’ve never run into this problem. It would be a shame, because I love the smell of old books. I bet you’d never get that old book smell back if they were all smokey
Thanks for these great tips!
Carmen — Old book smell doesn’t bother me – it’s cigarette smell. I know a lot of people are sensitive to the smell of it.
You’re welcome Kayla!
I don’t like cig smoke smell, but I like old book smells like in a library.
Cool tips, though!
I have to wonder though if the musty smell of old books is healthy even if we do like it? I read somewhere about it being related to mold? Or maybe the book had to be wet sometime first? Can’t remember. Thoughts?
Great suggestions! I’ve had this problem with a few books not too long ago!
I don’t think it’s from dampness or mildew. Mildew has a very distinct smell, and Old Book isn’t it. It would also mean that every single library in the world has a mildew problem. It likely has to do with paper, binding glue, and possibly interaction with human skin oils. To make sure I was being accurate, I just picked up my 1955 original of The Age of Reform ( http://tinyurl.com/dhmj6n ). No mildew!
have old zane grey books cover s smell how do i get it out
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