This book stinks- anyone have any ideas on airing out a Sundance book.

[drgwcs]

Recently I had gotten a copy of Dan Abbott's excellent book on the Colorado Central. Love the book but it does have a pretty pungent smell. It is not mold or musty or seems to be something atmospheric (have another book from the same seller and no smell) but seems to be something with the printers ink (or maybe cover or jacket.) It is much more pronounced when the book is opened but you can still smell it. I have seen a very slight smell from Sundance books and this is similar but on a whole other level, enough that it messes with my allergies and almost gives me a headache reading it. My wife had the same reaction. I was going to put it in a closed container with a cup of baking soda inside to see if that helped. Anyone else have this issue and how did you deal with it?

[Chris Walker]

Comes with the ownership of the later Sundance books, has to be the environ-mental-ly conscious ink used as my first new copy was the Min Belt III and that didn't stink.  
It's a real mission to read most of the R.G.S. Story, even after 20 years(vol-1 now has no smell after 35yrs), and my Gilpin Era and C.C. Rail Road have aired out too.  

Frequent opening of the pages seems to be the cure, so just stick with it, maybe read it outside.

[drgwcs]

Chris Walker wrote

Comes with the ownership of the later Sundance books, has to be the environ-mental-ly conscious ink used as my first new copy was the Min Belt III and that didn't stink.  
It's a real mission to read most of the R.G.S. Story, even after 20 years(vol-1 now has no smell after 35yrs), and my Gilpin Era and C.C. Rail Road have aired out too.  

Frequent opening of the pages seems to be the cure, so just stick with it, maybe read it outside.

At least I know I'm not crazy now...... My other Sundances were never like this. My office with a wall of books plus three other full bookshelves has a very slight smell- and that is with at least 50 books about 100 years old and several pushing 150-175. It is quite a bit less however than that one book. It may have never been opened before by the previous owner as far as I know. I may try spreading out the pages outside and see if that helps. Thanks so much.

[Chris Walker]

It's not just Sundance; as my last purchases from White River smell similar.

[Mike Trent]

I have a book. like that. I had never heard Chris' thoughts about ink. To me, it seems to smell of mildew. I've been leaving it in sunlight in a window that has a lot of sun. After a couple of months, it seems better. But has a few more months to go, I think.

[Dave Eggleston]

Ink is an interesting idea. I'd just thought it was the coated paper, something I've noted in other books.

[cdressel]

You might try:
1. Baking Soda
The same baking soda that absorbs bad odors in the fridge can absorb the bad odors in your books. Place a cup of baking soda or an opened box in a plastic box or bin with a lid. Put the book in the box with the baking soda and close the lid. Leave it for 48-72 hours, then check on the book. Repeat until the odor is gone. This method is ideal for multiple books.
2. Dryer Sheets
Books that resist deodorizing efforts may require a more permanent solution. Tuck a fabric softener sheet inside the cover or between two of the pages. The scent of the dryer sheet should counter any lingering musty odors.
Chuck