One of the most common fears of book lovers is water damage. Even trace amounts of moisture can cause irreparable harm to a book, leading to warping, stuck pages, mold growth, and pest damage. Fortunately, finding a suitable storage solution for your collection can protect them. If some of your prized titles have already been damaged by moisture, here are some restoration steps you can take.

How to Save Your Books From Water Damage

1. Move Them Away From Moisture

First, remove your books from the storage environment in which they were damaged. Many people make the mistake of keeping their books in humid or moist areas like basements, uninsulated attics, or non-climate-controlled storage units. Getting them away from these conditions will prevent them from absorbing further moisture as you prepare to restore them.

2. Dry Them Out

If you don’t have time to repair your books, you can store them in a freezer to preserve them for the time being. Once you’ve moved your books to a dry environment and you’re ready to repair them, use a clean rag or a paper towel to dry out each page individually.

Next, prop them upright and open on a towel in front of a fan to allow air to circulate between the pages. It may take up to 12 hours for the paper to dry completely. You can also use a dehumidifier or a blow dryer to further dry them out. During this time, it’s normal for the pages to warp or wrinkle as the paper contracts while drying.

3. Flatten Them

Finally, you can get your newly dried books as close to their original condition as possible by flattening them. Place each book between two clean wooden boards on a level surface in a dry area, such as a workbench or countertop. Next, place a heavy object like an exercise weight, brick, or a larger, heavier book on top of the upper board and leave it in place for several days to one week. Once you remove the weights and boards, the pages should be flattened and smooth. 

Any pages that are still wrinkled can be flattened with an iron on a low-heat setting. Lightly mist each wrinkled page with a spray bottle and place a sheet of thick paper on it before applying the iron. Take care not to touch the binding or the pages directly to avoid further damaging them.

When you’re looking for safe, secure storage in which to protect your valuable books, turn to American Self Storage. They offer a range of climate-controlled storage units under 24/7 professional supervision that you can access at all times. Visit them online to learn more.