Book Care Guide

We believe every book deserves love and care, whether it’s brand new or preloved. To help you keep your books in the best condition possible, here are some tips and reminders:

Handling Your Books

  • Wash and dry your hands before reading. Oils and dirt can stain pages.
  • Use a bookmark instead of folding page corners. (We include a free one with your order!)
  • Avoid writing on pages unless it’s a study or personal copy. If you need notes, use sticky tabs or transparent page flags.

Storing Your Books

  • Keep books upright on a shelf with proper support. If needed, use bookends.
  • Avoid placing books in direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Store in a cool, dry place. Excess humidity can cause mold, while extreme heat may warp covers.
  • For long-term storage, place books in acid-free boxes or wrap with protective covers.

Protecting Preloved Books

  • Handle gently, especially older copies with delicate spines.
  • Consider using dust jackets or plastic sleeves for rare or collectible books.
  • Keep away from pests — silverfish, termites, and cockroaches are book lovers too (in the wrong way!).

Cleaning Your Books

  • Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or a gentle brush.
  • For light stains, use a clean eraser carefully on the page edges.
  • Never use water or cleaning solutions on paper — it can cause irreparable damage.

Dealing with Book Lice (Psocids)

Book lice thrive in warm, humid places and can damage paper over time. Here’s how to clean and prevent them:

Cleaning Book Lice

    • Isolate the book: Keep infested books separate from the rest of your collection.
    • Air-dry: Place the book in a well-ventilated area (not direct sunlight) to reduce moisture.
    • Freeze method: For stubborn infestations, seal the book in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for 24–48 hours. This kills book lice without harming the paper.
    • Brush gently: Use a soft brush to remove dead insects or debris from the pages.

Preventing Book Lice

    • Control humidity: Keep your storage area below 50% humidity. A small dehumidifier or silica gel packs on shelves work well.
    • Improve airflow: Avoid tightly packed, closed-off shelves. Allow books to breathe.
    • Clean regularly: Dust shelves and books often to prevent buildup of mold, which book lice feed on.
    • Avoid damp storage: Never store books in basements, bathrooms, or other moisture-prone areas.

Dealing with Book Mold

Mold is more serious than book lice! It spreads quickly and can damage your entire collection.

  • Isolate immediately: If you notice mold, separate the book right away.
  • Air-dry safely: Place the book in a well-ventilated, dry area. Direct sunlight can damage paper, so use gentle airflow instead.
  • Light cleaning: For very small patches, you can carefully wipe with a soft, slightly damp (with alcohol, not water) cloth. Always dry thoroughly afterward.
  • Know the limits: Advanced mold damage (deep stains, musty odor) is rarely repairable. Sometimes professional restoration is needed, but in many cases the book may be beyond saving.
  • Prevention is key: Mold thrives in humidity. Keep storage cool, dry, and well-aired.

Lending & Sharing

If you lend your book, set friendly reminders for its safe return. Encourage others to use bookmarks and avoid folding, writing, or eating while reading.

How to Dispose of Books Responsibly

Sometimes books are too damaged (severe mold, water damage, m

issing pages) to keep or donate. Here’s what you can do:

  • Recycle: Most books with paper interiors can be recycled. Remove hard covers first.
  • Donate what’s usable: Books in readable but imperfect condition can still be loved by others — give to schools, libraries, or community groups.
    • Donate to Love Books: We also accept book donations! Depending on the condition, we either resell them or repurpose them. Proceeds are shared between two causes close to our heart: helping children in need of basic necessities (food, school supplies, clothing) and supporting the voiceless — animals who deserve care and compassion too. Every book passed on becomes part of a bigger story of kindness.
  • Upcycle: Old pages can be transformed into journals, bookmarks, or crafts.
    Trash as last resort: Only throw away books if they’re unsalvageable due to mold or pests. Always seal in a bag before disposal to prevent spreading.