Most homes have a bookshelf where we keep those books we can’t bear to part with, books that have been given to us by loved ones, or books we just like to flick through for information. Here are some tips for keeping your library dust-free and in good condition:
Leave a gap between the wall and the books for the air to circulate
Use a wide, clean paintbrush to dust the top of the books
Put a few sprigs of thyme throughout the books to discourage silver fish
Repair torn pages by smearing lightly with egg white at the tear and place together. Leave the book open to dry
To remove greasy spots from a page, put a piece of blotting paper on either side of the page and press with a warm iron or use a soft pencil eraser
If a book gets damp, sprinkle each page with talcum powder or cornflour. Close the book and place a weight on top of it. When all the moisture has been absorbed by the powder, shake and brush the book
Look after leather-bound books by polishing twice a year with petroleum jelly, saddle soap or leather wax.
Take a look at how to clean blinds here.
