How to Clean Children's Books

Encouraging your children to read as often as they'd like typically includes borrowing books from public or school libraries or accepting any hand-me-down books you can from others. Even if you bought the books for your children brand new, they may touch their books with dirty, sticky hands. Clean and sanitize your children's books to prevent them from spreading germs or catching something. Cleaner books tend to be easier to read, as sticky or dirty spots can cover words and an unpleasant odor will make you want to avoid the book altogether.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean washcloth or paper towels
  • Soapy water
  • Alcohol or white vinegar
  • Baby or sensitive skin laundry detergent
  • Baking soda
  • Plastic bag

Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe down soft books with a washcloth and warm, soapy water. Rinse the books well, then dry them completely before giving them back to your children.

    • 2

      Use alcohol or white vinegar to wipe down a hard or regular children's book. Avoid saturating the pages and fan the book out to dry.

    • 3

      Wash a cloth book cover or book in the washing machine with baby or sensitive skin laundry detergent. Let the book air dry, especially if it's just the cover, so it won't shrink.

    • 4

      Open the book and place it inside of a plastic bag with an open box of baking soda if you want to get rid of odors in the book. Seal the bag and leave it alone for a couple of weeks. If the odor persists, leave it in for a couple more weeks.

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