How can one get that awful musty smell out of old books, magazines........???

Answer 1

soak them in soapy water for a while. that is sure to get the smell out

Answer 2

You have to eliminate all the humidity that they have absorbed - try placing them in the sun - unopened, you don't want to discolour the pages - and turn them over as they dry properly, one by one.
If you live in a dry climate, this should be enough. If not, invest in some silica gel and place a few granules in each bok/magazine, then wrap in plastic bags and store away.
Remove the silica gel after a few weeks - the musty odour should have gone, if not place a few sheets of Bounce among the books for sometime.

Answer 3

1. Dust the books, and clean out the area where they are stored. If you can vacuum the dust, do so.(But wear a mask!)
2. Air out the books and magazines if you can. Remove them from their boxes, open them up and shake them out. Check for water damage, torn pages, and torn bindings. Some book binders may also do book repairs, especially if they are first editions.
3. When putting them back into storage, add some boxes of baking soda to absorb the smell. (Pack your books away in new boxes.)Kitty litter sometimes helps as a plan B. Make sure you replace the boxes of baking soda every so often.

Answer 4

Lay them out on the lawn on a sunny day.

Answer 5

Wipe with the pages.