How to clean and repair old books
Old books with grubby covers, loose pages and torn spines can often be made presentable at home. The rule is to do as little as you can, with materials that won't cause harm later.
By the Junkie team
Step by step
Step 1: Dust it
Hold the book closed firmly and brush from the spine outwards along the top edge. Then brush the covers.
Step 2: Clean the covers
Rub cloth or paper covers lightly with a soft white eraser. Leather covers need a leather guide, not an eraser.
Step 3: Fix loose pages
Run a thin line of PVA along the edge of a loose page and slide it back into place. Put waxed paper either side and close the book under weights overnight.
Step 4: Mend tears
Paste a thin strip of Japanese tissue over a tear with wheat starch paste. It's strong, reversible and almost invisible.
Step 5: Reattach loose boards
For a cover that's come off, a strip of book cloth glued along the spine is a neat repair. Valuable books should go to a bookbinder.
Step 6: Store upright
Store books upright, not too tight, out of sunlight and away from damp outside walls.
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