What to Use to Prevent Books From Becoming Moldy

Mildew and Mold

• In order to prevent mold from growing on your books, it is helpful to have an understanding of what causes the spread of mold and mildew. Mildew is a type of mold that can break down materials, such as paper. It will release an enzyme that it uses to further develop and spread. In order for these cells to continue to grow, they need the right combination of moisture, heat and oxygen. Eliminating the conditions that encourage the growth and spread of mildew will help you protect your books from damage.

Relative Humidity

• Mold will thrive in relative humidity levels between 70 and 90 percent. Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor that exists in the air compared to the amount of water vapor that it can actually hold at a specific temperature. The higher the temperature, the more water vapor the air can hold. So, relative humidity levels will be higher when it is warmer.

Controlling Moisture

• You can help control the level of moisture that exists in a building. Excess moisture can be created in your house from normal activities, such as showers, cooking and even breathing. Putting a lid over a pot of boiling water can help. Outside moisture can enter the building, so opening your windows at night could be letting moisture inside. Ventilation can prevent moisture, but only if the outside air is less moist than the inside air. If you live in a humid climate, you should improve the sealing of windows and doors to prevent the moist air from entering. It may be necessary to purchase a sensor that can read the relative humidity levels in a building. If your humidity levels are hard to control through ventilation, you may consider placing a dehumidifier in the room where you store your books.

Controlling Heat

• Mold and mildew thrive in warm temperatures, especially between 77 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. If you store books in cabinets, you may be trapping the heat. So, even though you are running an air conditioner during the summer or a heater during the winter to maintain a temperature around 70 degrees, the temperature could be higher where you are actually storing the books. Storing your books on open shelves, instead of cabinets or boxes, will help prevent the growth of mildew.

Considerations

• Maintaining the proper humidity and temperatures can be a challenge. Remember that once mold infiltrates the area, it can be difficult to stop its growth. Keeping your books well ventilated is one of the best ways to prevent mildew. Never wrap them in plastic, as this will trap moisture. Avoid placing plants in the room with the books. Do not store your books against an outside wall or on the basement floor, because moisture can enter a room through the walls.