Bookcases attract dust like a magnet, and regular wet cleaning often does more harm than good. The paper instantly absorbs moisture, the pages become deformed, and stains remain on the varnished surfaces. To keep your home library safe and get rid of gray plaque for a long time, it is important to select the right materials and products.
Microfiber cloths
Forget about old cotton T-shirts or gauze. The best tool to combat dust on shelves is dry microfiber. Thanks to its structure, this fabric does not simply brush dirt into the air so that it settles back in five minutes, but literally captures dust particles inside the fibers due to static electricity. For polished shelves, choose soft-pile cloths, and for unfinished wood, choose smooth options without loops that can catch on wood chips.
Antistatic agents
The main enemy of bookshelves is static electricity, which attracts small particles from the air. Using plain water is ineffective here. Professional cleaners recommend using special polishes with antistatic agents. They create an invisible film that repels dust, so cleaning will have to be done much less frequently.
If you don’t have specialized chemistry at hand, you can prepare the solution yourself. Mix water with a small amount fabric conditioner (in a ratio of 4:1). This product perfectly removes static and leaves a light aroma of freshness without harming wooden surfaces.
Special brooms for hard-to-reach places
Ideal for quick cleaning when you don’t have time to take out all the books. pipidastra (multi-colored fluffy panicles) made of synthetic fibers. It is important to choose high-quality products that actually electrify and collect dust rather than scatter it. This is an excellent option for express cleaning the ends of books and corners of shelves, where it is difficult to reach with a rag.
What to Avoid
It is strictly not recommended to use rags too wet. Excessive humidity is a direct path to the appearance of mold and fungus on the pages of books. You should also be careful with alcohol-containing products and chlorine, as they can irreversibly damage the varnish coating of furniture and discolor the spines of publications.
Proper care of bookshelves not only improves the appearance of the room, but also protects paper publications from premature aging and deformation.
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