Books Require Special Care After Flood

Books and papers should be dried carefully and slowly after a flood..

Books should be placed on end to dry and the pages should be kept apart. After being exposed to the air, they should be piled and pressed to keep the pages from crumpling. This alternate drying and pressing should be continued until the materials are thoroughly dry to help prevent mildew.

If books are extremely damp, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum between the pages to absorb moisture. Leave the powder for several hours, then brush off. Using a little heat and separating the pages near the end of the drying process may help prevent musty odors.

Source: Lois Warme, Extension Art and Design Specialist, Iowa State University Extension