Mold and Sunshine

I recently bought a book that was described as "dust in the margins". The "dust" turned out to be traces of mold. The book is one that I've wanted for 2+ years, so I'm stuck with either sending it back for a refund, or keeping it, getting a partial refund, and dealing with the mold. I chose the latter.

So, I have seen several places that UV light, such as sunshine, will kill the mold. But how long must it be exposed to sunshine to kill the mold? How will I know if the mold is dead? And will the smell go away when the mold is dead?

And for the record (so people don't waste their's and my time), I live in the desert so I have lots of sunshine and extremely low humidity. Once the mold is gone, I can't see it ever coming back.

>1 LMHTWB:

I found this at biblio.com: If your weather is cooperative, place the books into the sunlight, as exposure to the sun’s UV rays can help to kill mold spores. Remember; however, that light can cause damage and bleaching, so bring in your books after an hour in the sun.


Cornell University's Library Preservation and Conservation site says, The treatment of mold-infected books requires that they be taken to a well-ventilated area with electric fans to increase air movement. A good arrangement is to stand the books on edge with the boards slightly opened have a fan blow across them through an open window or to handle the books inside a running fume hood (cupboard). Mold: FacemaskRapidly moving air will dry out the moisture and desiccate the mold spores, rendering them inactive. If necessary, take the books outdoors and place in the sun and a mild breeze for a short time, and if possible, remove the mold outdoors. Ultraviolet rays from the sun will kill mold.

>1 LMHTWB: And I would definitely tell the seller that you are not happy with the condition and their description. They may refund your sale price. Or at the very least, they may pay more attention to descriptions in the future.

>1 LMHTWB: , >2 lilithcat: What a bummer getting a book in that condition. It's happened to me a few times. Although I'm in Colorado it is still not dry enough to eradicate mold; the sun treatment has not done the trick, unfortunately. Now I ask the seller if I can return the book...even if it's one I've wanted really badly, because I don't want it to spread mold to my other books. Generally, they don't want it back either.

The seller refunded my money and told me to keep the book, so yah, they didn't want want it either.

So, sunshine and fresh air. An hour at a time... per page? Looks like my new summer project!

>5 LMHTWB:

An hour at a time... per page?

Stand the book upright and fan out the pages.

I wonder if microwaving it would help.

Whoops, no. It might make the binding glues brittle and allow the book to fall apart.

Or combust.

> Does that happen often in your kitchen?

;)