Can Flood Damaged Hardcover Books Be Saved?

When books get wet, time is not on your side. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, especially in a humid climate like Port St. Lucie. The sooner you start the drying process, the better your chances of saving the books.

First, gently remove the books from the water. Do not pull them apart by the spine, as that can cause further damage. Instead, support each book from underneath. Place them upright on a clean, dry surface, but do not stack them, as the weight can cause pages to stick together.

If you cannot dry the books right away, you can freeze them to halt mold growth and buy time. Place each book in a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Then put them in a freezer. Freezing does not dry the books, but it preserves them until you can start the drying process.

When you are ready to dry frozen books, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator, then follow the same blotting and air-drying steps. Be aware that freezing can cause some pages to stick together, but it is often better than letting mold take over.

• Blot covers and pages with towels
• Interleave paper towels between pages
• Use fans for air circulation
• Keep books out of direct sunlight
• Freeze to halt mold if needed

Some books will not survive a flood, no matter what you do. If pages are stuck together in a solid block, or if the book has been soaked in sewage or contaminated water, it is safer to throw it away. Health risks from bacteria and mold outweigh the sentimental value.

Also, remember that your home's structure and other belongings need attention. If you have extensive flood damage, focus on the larger cleanup first. You can always try to save books later, but the longer you wait, the less likely they are to be salvageable.