Organizing and cleaning your bookshelf is one of those things you do not think about until you are done reading all the books. You add a book here and there on your shelf, and before you know it, you have no more space. Now you are not able to find the books you want. Moreover, the books are full of dust, and obviously, some cleaning is needed.
Is it possible to clean your bookshelf without removing books? The simple answer is yes. Not only will cleaning your shelf help you have space for more books, but you will also have the opportunity to give away the books you do not enjoy anymore. Even if you think your shelf looks good when cluttered, cleaning it will be a great refresher. So generally, it is a good idea to clean your bookshelf every occasionally.
This article will look at how you can safely clean your bookshelf without removing books, the materials you will require, tips on cleaning the shelf, how to arrange your bookshelf and other related issues.
Understanding Bookshelves
Before looking into how you should clean your bookshelf, it is essential to understand what a bookshelf is, and what they are made of.
A bookshelf is a selection of several books that share the same theme. A bookshelf is a place where you collect not only books but also share your thoughts about what they are. In most cases, you store all of the printed materials.
Traditionally, many of the bookshelves are made using wood boards that are routed carefully and have tight grooves that have separate shelves.
Materials You Require When Cleaning Your Bookshelf
Several materials will assist you in cleaning your bookshelf, including the following:
- Duster
Start by dusting out debris and dust from your furniture using a microfiber cloth or duster. Regular usage of a duster will do the trick.
- Warm Water and Soap
If your shelf has spots, you need to use warm water and soap. Work on the place that has the stain gently until you get rid of the stain.
- Towels
After using soap and warm water, you should wipe the shelf dry using a towel. You do not want your books to sit in a wet place.
- Wax
Depending on the wood, you may have to wax the shelf to protect it and keep it shining.
How to Clean Your Bookshelf without Removing Books
Your books will collect dirt on the shelves over time. There is no need for you to feel overburdened by the idea of cleaning the shelf. Mildew, pests, and dust are all indicators that you need to clean the shelf. To give it a quick clean, you should use a microfiber cloth or a brush to dust the bottom and top of your books. It would help if you started from the top shelves as you move down. This way, debris and dust will fall on a shelf yet to be cleaned.
It can be quite challenging to clean the bookshelf without removing the mangas or books. The easiest way to get rid of dirt on your bookshelf is by moving the books to one side as you wipe the shelves. You need to be careful and start from the top shelf as you move down. It would help more if you moved a single book at a time. Moving one book would help to avoid confusion when placing the books back to their positions.
Advantages of Cleaning your Bookshelf
Having a bookshelf is necessary if you are enthusiastic about books. Here are some primary benefits that you get by cleaning your bookshelf:
- Ease of Access
Once you have a clean bookshelf, it becomes easy for you to find a particular book. You save time, and you can easily have someone to get the book for you.
- Great Appeal
Once you clean your bookshelf, you add the appeal it has. It becomes more beautiful and lightens up the room. When the books are all over, the place looks untidy.
- Make Room for New Books.
When you clean your shelf, you create room for new books. As you clean your shelf, you can get rid of the old books and create space for the new ones.
How to Arrange Your Bookshelf
As you arrange books on the shelf, you need to place them in such a manner that it will be easy for you to access your books. Here are some options that you may like.
- Arrange The Books According to Size
Place the small books on top and the large ones at the bottom. You will create a lovely symmetrical pattern as you do this.
- Separate Paperbacks From the Hard Covers
Divide paperbacks from hard covers to get a more streamlined look that is cleaner. This separation is an excellent way if you are visual.
- Organize by Subject or Genre
Group the books with the same theme together. Put mystery books together, autobiographies, travel memoirs, cookbooks, fiction books, and others.
- Alphabetically
Alphabetizing is one of the best ways for you to arrange the bookshelf. It is also the easiest way for you to get a book quickly. You can decide to alphabetize using the book title or author’s name.
- Arrange using Color.
There is a new phenomenon where people organize books based on color. There are many exciting options when arranging based on color. You can wrap your books with wrapping paper so that some sections are clear or arranging them in a particular pattern.
- Chronologically
Generally, you arrange the book according to the subject matter it covers. For example, you can organize your books starting with British history, Ancient Greece, and finally, current history books.
Related questions
How Should Books Be Stored in the Bookshelf?
Place the bookshelf against the wall and make sure there is air circulation. The heavy books should be at the bottom and the lighter ones on top. Ensure that your books are not too crammed.
How do You Prevent Bookworms?
Make sure that your shelf is clean and dry to discourage infestation. It would be best if you soaked a piece of cloth in naphthalene, camphor, infusion of tobacco, or turpentine to keep bookworms away.
See Also: 15 Creative Ways To Store Books Without A Bookshelf
