If a book gets wet, remove it from the water, support its weight, and blot away excess moisture without rubbing the pages. The next step depends on how wet it is, the type of paper, and whether it has financial or personal value.
Ordinary books can often be dried with absorbent paper and steady air circulation, although some wrinkling may remain. Valuable books, glossy pages, contaminated water, and visible mould require different handling.
Assess the Damage Before Opening the Book
Move the book onto a clean, dry surface covered with unprinted absorbent paper or clean towels. Lift a soaked book with both hands beneath it, since wet paper and binding materials tear easily. Do not lift it by one cover or shake it to remove water.
Check whether the book is damp, partly wet, or saturated. Damp pages may feel cool and slightly limp, while saturated pages cling together and the text block feels heavy. Also check for running ink, loose covers, and glossy or coated paper.
If the water contained sewage, chemicals, or other contaminants, do not attempt ordinary home drying. Keep the book away from clean stock and seek advice from a qualified conservator about safe handling and possible recovery. A replaceable reading copy may not justify the risks or treatment costs.
Remove Excess Water Without Damaging Pages
Take off a removable dust jacket if it lifts away freely, and dry it separately on an absorbent surface. Leave attached covers and binding materials in place. If any part sticks, do not pull it free.
For an ordinary uncoated book, use the following sequence to remove moisture while keeping handling to a minimum:
- Blot the outside. Gently touch clean towels or unprinted absorbent paper to the covers and page edges. Do not rub or squeeze the book.
- Let free water drain. If the binding is sound and the book can stand without slumping, support it upright on absorbent material and open the covers slightly. Otherwise, keep it flat and supported.
- Add absorbent sheets sparingly. Once pages separate without force, place plain white paper towels or blotting paper between small groups of pages. Avoid printed paper, which may transfer ink.
- Replace wet sheets. Change the absorbent material as it becomes damp, supporting the pages each time. Use fewer sheets if the book begins to bulge.
Do not try to place a towel between every page. Too much added thickness strains the spine and can permanently distort the binding. Keep checking that the covers and text block remain reasonably aligned.
Dry the Book With Gentle Air Circulation
Use a clean space with good ventilation and, if available, a dehumidifier. A fan can move air across the drying area, but should not blow strongly enough to flutter pages. Keep the book away from radiators, direct sunlight, hairdryers, ovens, and microwaves.
A damp book with a sound binding can sometimes stand partly open with its pages gently fanned. A large, heavy, or weakly bound book is better supported flat, with absorbent sheets changed regularly. Never force a book to open flat for faster drying.
Drying time varies with the amount of water, paper thickness, binding, and humidity. Check it frequently rather than relying on a fixed deadline, and replace damp material beneath it as well as between pages. The centre and gutter near the spine often stay damp after exposed edges feel dry.
Once the pages are only slightly damp, an ordinary uncoated book can be closed gently between clean, dry boards under a light, evenly distributed weight. Replace any damp protective paper and reopen it to check for remaining moisture. Do not press a wet book under heavy objects, which can trap moisture and damage its shape.
Handle Glossy Pages and Valuable Books Differently
Coated paper, often found in illustrated books, art books, and some textbooks, can stick permanently as it dries. Do not leave wet glossy pages pressed together or attempt to peel apart pages that have already bonded. Contact a book conservator promptly for instructions.
If wet coated pages cannot be treated immediately, freezing is often recommended to prevent them drying together before specialist treatment. Freezing does not repair damage, and later thawing without a drying plan can cause further problems. Ask a conservator how to package and freeze the particular book.
Rare editions, signed copies, books with handwritten notes, and fragile bindings also deserve specialist advice before further treatment. Photograph their condition without forcing them open. Avoid adhesive tape, household glue, ironing, or cleaning products, all of which can complicate conservation work.
Check for Mould Before Shelving or Selling
Keep recovering books separate from dry books until they are fully dry and checked. Look for fuzzy growth, new spots, and a persistent musty smell, although smell alone does not confirm mould. Never brush suspected mould indoors or use bleach on book pages.
If mould is visible, limit handling and consult a conservator about treatment or disposal. People with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems should avoid handling mouldy books and seek medical advice if exposure causes symptoms. Do not seal a damp book in plastic and leave it at room temperature.
For used or wholesale stock, record water damage even if the book remains readable after drying. Check for stuck pages, loose sections, staining, odour, and warped boards before offering it for sale, and describe any remaining defects clearly.