Quote:
Originally Posted by Iain
So. Has anyone experiences of this? Is there anyway of treating the books (in bulk) to reduce this problem?
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The smell and allergic reactionss are caused by the moisture the books have absorbed and the subsequent mould that is forimg.
You need to remove the moisture.
You can use something to absorb the moisture - baking soda, charcoal, cat litter. Use a large airtight container and put the books and absorbent inside. Make sure they don't have any direct contact with each other. Seal the container and wait a few days (or weeks).
Alternatively, you could try forcibly drying the books by putting them in an oven at low heat. Unfortunately this would probably permeate the smell around the kitchen and house and further irritate your wife, so I suggest you get one of the mini fridge/warmers that are available and and dry the books in your garage.
Example -
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...t%3EFRIDGE.htm - That's about the smallest you can get and hold six regular drinks cans. Larger ones are available.
Mini-fridge/warmers usually have a max temperature of ~65C so your bopoks shouldn't reach their flash point and burst into flames.
Combine with a timeswitch for unattended or overnight drying.
I'm not sure 'baking' your books would work, but people have been known to dry clothes using an oven so I don't see why it shouldn't work.