Musty books

[Montifer]

We've been given a large selection of old (30 years +) Ladybird books which have been stored in a garage for many years.

They look in really good condition but smell very musty. Can't see any visible mildew etc on them.

I've given them a good airing but it doesn't seem to have made much difference.

Is there anything I can do to revive them?

Bump.

Don't know, but whatever makes them musty really sets my allergies off - I sneeze and itch - most annoying! Really frustrating as I have loads of really good old ladybird books too...

Put them out in the sun, try to stand them so that the pages get plenty of air. This should get most of it, it is moisture that makes them smell, they have probably been stored in a garage.
And also wipe the outside with a damp cloth (use a mild solution of washing up liquid) and then wipe them with a dry cloth.

I don't think the smell will ever go completely, but just being indoors in the warmth will gradually take the smell off.