Taking Care of your Bindings
Handling matters a lot. Cloth can absorb oils from your hands, which leads to dark spots or wear over time. Try to handle books with clean, dry hands and avoid gripping the spine too tightly when pulling them off the shelf—push neighboring books in slightly and grab the middle instead.
Dust is the main enemy. Book cloth has a slight texture that traps dust more than smooth covers. Use a soft, dry cloth or a very gentle brush to clean it occasionally. Always wipe in one direction rather than scrubbing, so you don’t fray the fibers.
Keep moisture far away. Cloth absorbs water quickly, which can lead to staining, warping, or even mold. If a book cloth cover gets damp, let it air dry naturally—don’t use heat like a hairdryer, as it can shrink or distort the fabric.
Watch for fading and weakening. Sunlight can bleach the color and weaken the cloth fibers.
Store books away from direct sunlight. Cloth fades faster than you’d expect, and UV light also weakens the fibers over time.
- For extra protection
Use dust jackets if you have them - Add clear archival covers (like libraries use)
- For valuable books, consider slipcases or archival boxes
Be careful with stacking. Short-term is fine, but long-term horizontal stacks can compress the cloth and warp the boards—especially for heavier books.
