A beautifully decorated library at home pleases not only the owners, but also guests. But bookshelves are easily contaminated by dust. We'll show you how to clean your bookshelf and which methods and means are most suitable!
Can you imagine how much dust accumulates on a shelf? A whole lot. However, having dust-free bookshelves is not difficult, you just need to maintain them regularly. Here you will find out everything you need to know so that you can take good care of your books and keep them dust-free. We also give tips on how often you should clean the shelves and books.
How to quickly dust off your bookshelf
Dusting your bookshelves regularly will save you the hassle of deep cleaning. If you don't do a thorough cleaning, but your bookshelves quicklywant to clean, simply use a microfiber cloth or clean makeup brush to dust the tops and sides of the books and then the shelves.
It's quick and you get clean bookshelves and books. Please note that large, heavy books should be placed flat rather than upright when cleaning.
Cleaning bookshelves: instructions for thorough cleaning
You can clean the bookshelves without removing the books. But from time to time we should do a deep cleaning of the shelves. It takes a bit of time if you want to keep your bookshelves dust-free, but it's a simple process.
Materials needed to clean bookshelves:
- duster
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Bucket of warm water and mild soap
- Towels
Instructions for cleaning bookshelves:
- Remove the books and all items and completely dust each shelf. Then wipe the bookshelves with a damp cloth and wait for it to dry. Each shelf is cleaned from top to bottom;
- Before putting the books back on the shelves, use the feather duster or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the exposed top of each book.
- After cleaning, the books are returned to the clean and dry shelves. Reorganize your books once you've cleaned them
How to dust off the books properly
Here we give tips and tricks against dust on books.
- Cleaning books starts on the outside surface. Note that the books must be kept tightly closed to prevent dust from getting between the pages;
- The most soiled top edge is cleaned first in the opposite direction to the spine to avoid dust entering the tubular folds of the cover.
- Hold the book with one hand, spine up, and slowly fan the pages to remove dust and insects. Repeat this process a few times.
- The covers, spine and endpapers are then cleaned (dust removed from the center towards the edges);
Note: when cleaning cracked surfaces you must work very carefully and use soft brushes;
How often dust off books
How often to clean the books without taking them off the shelf:To facilitate the cleaning process and in the interest of your health and hygiene, you should maintain a weekly cleaning routine. This weekly cleaning involves wiping and dusting the books on the shelf without removing them from the shelf. This reduces your work significantly.
Empty the bookshelf once a month:Once a month, take the books off the shelf and dust them off. This will keep your books in good condition, making it worth the effort.
Cleaning mold from books
Mold is an unpleasant sight, but it is also dangerous and can cause breathing problems in people. How can you remove mold from books?
The first thing you should do is wear a dust mask for protection. You can use a soft cloth slightly moistened with denatured alcohol to kill the mold. Blot off any excess liquid and dry the book thoroughly to avoid damaging the paper or glossy cover.
Keep your books in great shape with these simple tips
To enjoy your books for longer, you should store them in a dry place. Humidity leads to bugs and mold. You should also avoid direct light as it can bleach book covers and destroy leather covers. So avoid placing your bookshelves near windows or installing curtains to filter the light.
How do you properly take books off the shelves? If you handle the books at the top of the spine, it will cause damage. Instead, gently push adjacent books aside and grasp the center of the book's spine to remove it.
Also read:Build unusual shelves yourself: Cool DIY ideas for creative do-it-yourselfers