How to Remove Mildew Odor From Paper

How to Remove Mildew Odor From Paper
Published: Dec 29, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Vacuum
  • Carpet freshener or baking soda
  • Deactivated charcoal
  • Cookie sheet

When mildew infests books and paper, it is often difficult to remove entirely because you can't safely wash most books or paper. Discard severely damaged materials.

  1. Take mildew-infested books and papers outside and shake them to remove mold spores. Run the nozzle attachment of the vacuum lightly over them to remove mildew.

  2. Sprinkle baking soda or carpet freshener on the papers and lay them out to dry. Leave them for at least 24 hours.

  3. Fill a cookie sheet with deactivated charcoal, found at hardware and appliance stores, if the odor remains. Place the paper on the deactivated charcoal. Wait at least three days for the charcoal to absorb any lingering odors.

Tips

Store paper and books in a dry, ventilated location or in sealed boxes.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Julie Christensen

Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes."

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