How to clean and care for books and treat them as they deserve

Let's be honest: When was the last time you cleaned your books? And no, I don't mean just dusting them when guests come over—we've all done that—but a real, deep clean.

_{I've included this article in Reader Focus because it ends up being meditative...}

I have to confess to you that my books, which I love so much and collect so many, They have been a bit neglected latelyAnd I suspect I'm not the only one. In fact, this post is a penance for my lack of care.

It is true that I use some of them regularly—my favorite philosophy books, as I call them—but most of them are spends months quietly on the shelves, decorating my home with its colors and giving it that cozy touch. It happens to you too, right?

Without serving as an excuse, I must admit that I am waiting to change the main shelf, and while I get it done, I have all my books covered in dust waiting for me to clean them.. It won't be longer than this week...

The problem is that, while they rest there, they accumulate dust. And well, I imagine by now you know what dust is made of. It's not just any old thing: dead skin, hair, pollen, mold, and even microscopic fragments of insects!

Also, keep in mind that dust not only stains books, but also can attract nasty little bugsAnd we don't want that for our books, much less for our home.

But if that doesn't convince you, think about this: Did you know that we spend 90% of our time indoors breathing air full of these particles? Cleaning your books not only protects them, it also takes care of your health! So let's get down to business.

How to take care of your books without dying in the attempt?

After much searching, asking questions, and sharing experiences with other avid readers, I've come to the conclusion that there are several keys to keeping our books clean. Let me tell you.

Do you have books in the basement, the attic, or near the bathroom? I can tell you, those places aren't the best for your library. Find one. Strategic locationHumidity and sudden changes in temperature attract mold and insects. So find a stable, dry place for them. Perhaps reorganizing your room might be a good weekend plan? Especially now with the rain and bad weather...

Direct sunlight can quickly fade your favorite books. It's best to protect them in an area with good indirect lighting. Light, yes; direct sun, no. Also, your books will appreciate not being near lamps or spotlights that generate too much heat.

If we follow the advice above, would you say that Do cookbooks go in the kitchen?Because, of course, heat and grease are enemies. But at the end of the day, cookbooks are meant to be used. My advice: if you use books to cook with them, go for it! But take extra care of them and wipe them regularly with a slightly damp cloth to prevent staining.

If you save clippings or simply use bookmark, careful. Avoid putting them between pages if they are not of quality. or are laminated, as the ink can stain your books. Use envelopes and store them separately.

Your books should be well supported to avoid warping. Use Bookends and store them well. Larger and heavier books are best placed horizontally. Also, alternating the position of the books from time to time can help prevent permanent deformation. Will you remember to do this?

Don't pull a book out by its spine. It seems obvious, but it isn't. Gently push the neighboring books together and carefully grasp the book by both sides of the spine. Handle them with care! This way you'll take care of your bindings and avoid those dreaded damages.

If you live in a very humid place, it would be a good idea to use dehumidifiers or silica gel sachets near your bookshelves. This will keep mold at bay and further protect your literary treasures.

Basic vs. deep cleaning: How often should we do it?

No need to worry!

A basic cleaning every few weeks with a slightly damp cloth and one small vacuum cleaner That's enough. Start from the top, then the bottom, and finally the spine. always with delicacyIt also helps to regularly ventilate the area where you store your books.

I use these microfiber cloths and I am delighted:

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And now, at least once a year, it's time to do the big cleanup:

• Empty the shelves completely. Take the opportunity to organize the books as I already told you..
• Vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth, but be very careful with the amount of water you use.
• Clean each book individually with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
• If you discover any books with mold or insects, put them in an airtight bag and freeze it for three days. Then leave it closed for another day before opening it.
• Take advantage of check damaged or deteriorated books, and consider taking them to a specialist if they have great sentimental or financial value.

Too much work? Not at all! Think about how good you'll feel when you're done and enjoy the process. Plus, this deep clean is a great excuse to revisit forgotten books, reorganize your shelves, or even do a little decluttering. donate those books that no longer make you happy.

Remember, your library is more than just a collection of books: reflects who you are and what you are passionate about. So taking care of it is worth it.

Ready to cleanse with me? Do you have any special methods or secrets you'd like to share? Tell me how you do it!

Happy cleaning and happy reading!