You know how books that you’ve picked up at yard sales and the like have that musty odor? Here are some methods I’ve heard of to get rid of the smell, assuming they aren’t actually moldy or mildewed:

* Sprinkle a little baking soda between pages of the book, once you’ve ascertained it is thoroughly dry. After several days, brush out the powder.

* Place your book in a plastic bag with kitty litter for several days.

* Wrap your book in used laundry dryer sheets and place in a plastic bag for a week.

* You can try and simply expose the books to open air and sunlight, laying them open on a tabletop or in window light, getting assistance from a blowing fan. Worth a shot.

* If actually damp, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder between the pages, leave for several hours as powder absorbs moisture, brush out. This could all be labor intensive for a bunch of books, but perhaps practical for a few special copies you want to keep and/or read.
About the Author

Nick Howes is a freelance writer of magazine, newspaper, and online articles and news director at a Midwestern radio station. He offers books and an online newsletter, both frequently updated, at www.home.midwest.net/~howes