The short answer
Work top shelf down. Remove a few books at a time, dust the shelf with a dry microfiber cloth, and dust the book tops while holding them closed so dust does not slip into the pages. Avoid sprays on books and on unsealed wood.
Every summer, the Pequot Library at 720 Pequot Avenue in Southport holds its well-known book sale, and plenty of readers leave with a bag or two. Those books end up on home shelves, which are among the dustiest surfaces in any house. Shelves are open, rarely moved, and often too tall to reach comfortably.
The method
- Start at the top so dust falls onto shelves you have not cleaned yet.
- Remove a short section of books and set them on a clean surface in order.
- Dust the shelf with a dry or barely damp microfiber cloth. Dry it completely.
- Dust each book along the top edge, holding it closed, from spine to front.
- Replace and move on to the next section.
What to avoid
- Spraying cleaner on books or onto shelves with books in place.
- Wet cloths on old leather or cloth bindings.
- Packing books so tightly air cannot circulate.
- Shelves in direct sun, which fades spines.
Secondhand books
Dust used books before shelving them. Wipe covers with a dry cloth, and if a book smells musty, let it air out in a dry room before it joins the collection. Rare or valuable books are best left to a conservator.
How often
Dusting exposed shelf edges is part of a regular cleaning. Taking books down for a full shelf clean is a once- or twice-a-year job that fits naturally into a deep clean. Ask about it when you request a quote.
House cleaning in Southport
We clean homes in Southport, including houses in the historic village near Pequot Avenue. See our house cleaning page for Southport, CT.
Check the Pequot Library for this year's book sale dates and hours.
Bookshelf cleaning questions
When is the Pequot Library book sale?
It is traditionally held in late July at the library on Pequot Avenue in Southport. Check the library for this year's dates.
Can I use furniture polish on bookshelves?
Use it sparingly and only on sealed finishes, and let it dry fully before books go back. A dry microfiber cloth is usually enough.
Do house cleaners dust books?
Regular visits usually cover exposed shelf surfaces. Taking books down to dust them is a detailed task; ask about it when you request a quote.
How do I remove a musty smell from old books?
Let them air out in a dry, ventilated room, away from direct sun. For valuable books, consult a conservator.