Aloha2U Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I just bought some used books and thought that maybe I should get in the habit of cleaning/sanitizing them before I put them away on my ds's book shelf. Does anyone else do this or I am I the only germ-a-phobe!:willy_nilly: Melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 The thought never occurred to me. I'm happy when we make it through the day without one of my kids eating something off of the ground. If it makes you feel better, I don't see why you shouldn't, but I don't think there is any medical reason to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin in DFW Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I always clean used books. Some of the covers have been pretty grubby! :lol: Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I just bought some used books and thought that maybe I should get in the habit of cleaning/sanitizing them before I put them away on my ds's book shelf. Does anyone else do this or I am I the only germ-a-phobe!:willy_nilly: Melissa Believe me, you are not the only germ-a-phobe. If I bought used books, I would definitely wipe them. JEt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shalom22 Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 That's something I never really thought about, but not a bad idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Um, do you use the library? Those books go through many more hands than most used books. I'll wipe down a grimy cover, but I can't imagine trying to "sanitize" every used or library book that comes my way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha2U Posted July 9, 2008 Author Share Posted July 9, 2008 ... what do you use so as to not damage the books? Do you use just a damp towel... soap and water... windex... lysol... etc.? Melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 ... what do you use so as to not damage the books? Do you use just a damp towel... soap and water... windex... lysol... etc.? Melissa I would use Wet Ones. Sanitizes and safe for kids. Jet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie in MS Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I have to grin when reading this. I do not like library books (although I do use them occasionally) because of this very reason. Wiping the cover off just would not be good enough for some of the library books I have seen. So, I have thought of microwaving them to kill any little critters.....I have NOT done it though! :lol: I have had better luck with buying used. But then I always look to see if it is in VGC or like new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magistramom Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I use bleachy wipes and Febreeze:) and freeze the books to kill mold. I've purchased some pretty old Latin readers and although they are in good condition, it's one of those weird things I do, because I can, and not because of a phobia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloha2U Posted July 9, 2008 Author Share Posted July 9, 2008 Many years ago back in high school, I worked at a video rental store and we had to clean the case of every video that was checked in with windex. I wonder if libraries have some sort of procedure for cleaning books when they are checked in. Hmm, something to ask my local librarian. Melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kls126s Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Many years ago back in high school, I worked at a video rental store and we had to clean the case of every video that was checked in with windex. I wonder if libraries have some sort of procedure for cleaning books when they are checked in. Hmm, something to ask my local librarian. Melissa My first job was in a public library and my job was to reshelve books. We were doing well just to keep up, and wiping/cleaning books was definitely not on the agenda. Of course that was... um... wow - over twenty years ago. Sigh. :glare: I don't clean books I buy used either, and I buy a lot of used books. I guess it never even occurred to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riada Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I wipe the covers of them, which makes me feel better although sensibly it wouldn't be killing all the germs. I use wet wipes as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ConnieinCO Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I can't say I have ever thought to try and sanitize them. I do wipe down the covers with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner just because I like to keep my books nice. Plus, if they are really grubby they just feel icky. Connie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in CA Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 The thought never occurred to me. I'm happy when we make it through the day without one of my kids eating something off of the ground. If it makes you feel better, I don't see why you shouldn't, but I don't think there is any medical reason to do it. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetbaby Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Absolutely! GermX and Lysol queen here.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paula j Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Me too, me too:-) I wipe my covers down with lysol wipes, can't stand a grimy book. Wish I would have thought of putting them in the freezer:glare: There are some that probably need it. Now for the really weird part..... When I sell my books, I look them over and if the covers are dirty I wash them down before I mail them, wouldn't want to send anyone else a germy book either.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm from the "it's good for kids to be exposed to some germs" school of thought...so NO WAY! :001_smile: Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Targhee Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm with the other Shannon - I've had to let go a little and just be happy when I'm able to stop them from putting a new find in their mouth, licking the public pool deck (yes, this happened), or crawling on the floor in the grocery store. :ack2: Unless there is visible dirt/smudge/grundge I don't do anything - and then it's only for visual satisfaction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2abcd Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Only if they have something on them or something. BTW, wiping with wipies or anything without germ-killing abilities won't do any good except to clean the book a bit. If you're really phobic about germs, just use 1 T. bleach per gallon of water... wipe book with damp cloth. I have some Saxon math books from a school. They had some sort of residue on them from storage or something. A Mr. Clean Eraser worked better than anything at taking it off quickly. I'm sure library books have MANY more germs than most books I purchase used. Those go through A LOT of hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyAberlin Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I just try not to think about it. But that is the reason I don't buy children's board books used since they usually get chewed on. Ds almost 2 occasionally puts a library book in his mouth. I try to not let that happen. I heard that there was a case where someone kept lysoling all her child's things like the high chair and the crib to clean them and the constant exposure to lysol caused the baby to go blind. My cleaner of choice is vinegar and baking soda. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sherry Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm glad I'm not the only one! :-) I buy a lot of books at thrift shops, and although I usually don't buy the ones that look like they've been chewed on!, I usually fan the pages and spray used books with Lysol, then quickly wipe the covers with an antibacterial wipe. I don't do it with library books, because they don't belong to me, and I don't want to risk damaging them, but we do use antibacterial wipes or gel on our hands after handling them. Sherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 If a book LOOKS dirty, I'll wipe it off. But cleaning and sanitizing are two different things. I don't know how you could truly sanitize an entire book. We're more of a hand-washing family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 If a book LOOKS dirty, I'll wipe it off. But cleaning and sanitizing are two different things. I don't know how you could truly sanitize an entire book. We're more of a hand-washing family. Really! All I could think is that it would have to involve high temp steaming?! Maybe baking? Something with aerosolized chlorine? lol... I just don't think truly "sanitizing" would be possible with household materials without damaging the books. But then, I'm really not worried about it either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda in TX Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I buy lots of used books (not to mention checking out library books) and have never thought to do this. I have incredibly healthy kids, too. (which I realize is purely anecdotal) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I buy a huge amount of second hand books, I don't worry about germs at all. I am a firm believer on exposing children to things like second hand books, and letting them build up their immune system . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asher Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 The thought never occurred to me. I'm happy when we make it through the day without one of my kids eating something off of the ground. If it makes you feel better, I don't see why you shouldn't, but I don't think there is any medical reason to do it. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm from the "it's good for kids to be exposed to some germs" school of thought...so NO WAY! :001_smile:Not that I'd thought about this before, but now that I have... my thoughts exactly. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I just bought some used books and thought that maybe I should get in the habit of cleaning/sanitizing them before I put them away on my ds's book shelf. Does anyone else do this or I am I the only germ-a-phobe!:willy_nilly: Melissa My personal suspicion is that the West is over-sanitised, rather than under. I like Penelope Leach's suggestion to worry about wet dirt (where bacteria/viruses may grown) and ignore dry dirt. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DIY-DY Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I think the only thing I'd be tempted to do is dry ice to kill any book lice. Our library has them, and it heebes me out no end to be reading a book and have one of the little critters scamper across the page. *blech* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm from the "it's good for kids to be exposed to some germs" school of thought...so NO WAY! :001_smile: Bill Here too. I suppose if I got one that was sticky or had had something one it I'd try to get it off. Otherwise no, I've never cleaned the few used books that I've purchased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllSmiles Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I saw freezing books mentioned as an option for sanitizing books. Freezing does not kill bacteria. It simply prevents them from growing while they are cold. As Abbeyj said you would have to find some way to heat all the bacteria in order to destroy them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prim*rose Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm glad I'm not the only one! :-) I buy a lot of books at thrift shops, and although I usually don't buy the ones that look like they've been chewed on!, I usually fan the pages and spray used books with Lysol, then quickly wipe the covers with an antibacterial wipe. I don't do it with library books, because they don't belong to me, and I don't want to risk damaging them, but we do use antibacterial wipes or gel on our hands after handling them. Sherry I think I've found my long-lost twin - I do the same thing! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scuff Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Sanetize books? Never thought to do it. And since I also think germs aren't the plague, I won't start. I do wipe down books that are visably dirty, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
profmom Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I think the only thing I'd be tempted to do is dry ice to kill any book lice. Our library has them, and it heebes me out no end to be reading a book and have one of the little critters scamper across the page. *blech* :ohmy: I've never seen book lice! I'm thinking I should google, but, yuck!, I don't really want to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M&M Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I think the only thing I'd be tempted to do is dry ice to kill any book lice. Our library has them, and it heebes me out no end to be reading a book and have one of the little critters scamper across the page. *blech* I never thought about what those little bugs were called...new word for the day...book lice :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayt ul-Hikmah Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm from the "it's good for kids to be exposed to some germs" school of thought...so NO WAY! :001_smile: I completely agree! The more we sanitize things, the weaker our immune systems become. Or at least, that's what makes sense to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deeke Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I'm from the "it's good for kids to be exposed to some germs" school of thought...so NO WAY! :001_smile: Bill LOL...me too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
materursa Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 I'm not in the "must clean used books camp" but I was wondering if anyone knows how to get that old musty smell out of some used books... Amanda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 I am more afraid of the commercial germ-killers that are on the market than I am of any germs that might be hanging around a book, so no, I do not clean used or library books. In fact, I work in a library. We do not "sanitize" returned books or DVDs or cds. They are turned in, chucked on a book truck, and reshelved. Occasionally someone returns a book or dvd that has roaches in it. We throw away the books but we keep the dvds. Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2abcd Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 I'm not in the "must clean used books camp" but I was wondering if anyone knows how to get that old musty smell out of some used books... Amanda Put them in an enclosed box or bag with lots of crumpled newspaper. Leave this for a few days. The paper will absorb the musty smell pretty well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felicia Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 I must say that I have throughly enjoyed reading this thread. I have laughed most of the way through it. I personally wipe grungy books and if something truly atrocious happens to it (like my dd5 getting sick and well....you know.... the cover of her story book was covered in her supper:ack2:) That one I took to the sink and washed it. Now it is all wavy:tongue_smilie:I still can't get passed what happened to Franklin that I haven't let her have it back yet. (oh yes, I did spray lysol over the whole thing as well) I may have to pitch it. What do you all think? Good thing it was a cheap book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abreakfromlife Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 We avoid chemicals, so nope. The chemicals in the cleaners are way more dangerous than a few germs. Don't most germs die in a few days anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 Really! All I could think is that it would have to involve high temp steaming?! Maybe baking? Something with aerosolized chlorine? lol... I just don't think truly "sanitizing" would be possible with household materials without damaging the books. But then, I'm really not worried about it either. Really, Abbey, you must get this from your mom. I seem to remember a certain incident you mentioned about your sister's boots catching on fire in the microwave? :D -Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 I buy a huge amount of second hand books, I don't worry about germs at all. I am a firm believer on exposing children to things like second hand books, and letting them build up their immune system . Same here. We have lots of used books & use the library often. I will wipe off a book cover if it feels grimy and avoid books that smell like mold or smoke, but I do those things because of sensory reasons rather than 'germ avoidance' reasons. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyinNNV Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 No-I figure they can't be any worse than a book from a library! Hey-all you book cleaners. Now I am curious! Do you clean library books, too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommybee Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 Many years ago back in high school, I worked at a video rental store and we had to clean the case of every video that was checked in with windex. I wonder if libraries have some sort of procedure for cleaning books when they are checked in. Hmm, something to ask my local librarian. Melissa I work at the library and we could never clean ever book that came in. We will wipe covers that are particularly gross with a cleaning solution. It's disgusting what some people will put in the book drop without even bothering to clean up. Lots of sticky kids picture books. We do have volunteers go through and clean off the covers of picture books from time to time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommybee Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 I am more afraid of the commercial germ-killers that are on the market than I am of any germs that might be hanging around a book, so no, I do not clean used or library books. In fact, I work in a library. We do not "sanitize" returned books or DVDs or cds. They are turned in, chucked on a book truck, and reshelved. Occasionally someone returns a book or dvd that has roaches in it. We throw away the books but we keep the dvds. Tara OMG, I hope that never happens where I work...I think that would be the end of my job. Those critters will follow you home :scared: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5knights3maidens Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 Usually not. But, the last book I bought, when I received it, it was all sticky and yucky. It was supposed to be in excellent condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaneGrey Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 Yes, I've done this, particularly with books that look really old and that I've gotten at a garage/library sale. Made me feel better to wipe the covers. I'd highly recommend a simple water and bleach solution (10:1) to sanitize. Got this recipe from medical professional relatives who told me that this is basically what they use at the hospital. Imagine all the stuff they're trying to kill there. Plus, it's easy to make and CHEAP. I keep it in a labeled spray bottle next to my Oxi Clean mix. Book lice -- yikes! Ignorance was bliss.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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