Cleaning cloth book bindings often involves immediate action for spills and using a brush for general dirt.
Basic Cleaning Methods
Addressing spills right away is the most effective way to prevent stains from setting into cloth book bindings. According to one source, wiping it off immediately helps, too, especially with a damp cloth or paper towel. For dried dirt or dust, a simple tool can be useful. A stiff bristle brush has usually served me pretty well for this purpose.
Steps for Cleaning:
- For Spills:
- Act quickly.
- Use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently blot and wipe the spill immediately.
- For Dirt/Dust:
- Use a stiff bristle brush.
- Gently brush the surface of the binding to remove loose dirt and dust.
Addressing Set Stains
It is important to note the limitations of cleaning once a stain has dried. The provided reference states that there's not much that you can do once it's fully set and dried. This highlights the importance of prompt action when dealing with spills on cloth bindings.
While these methods can help with immediate spills and surface dirt, difficult or set stains on cloth book bindings are often challenging, if not impossible, to remove completely without potentially damaging the material.
