[LM_NET] HIT: Care of wooden shelving

[Lindy Hutchison <lhutchison@MAIL.SWEENY.ISD.ESC4.NET>]

There were many requests for a hit, which follows the original question. Many 
thanks for all the good advice!  I really appreciate all the information and wisdom 
shared on LM_NET every day!

Lindy Hutchison

Original question:
     "Do those of you blessed with older solid wooden shelving use anything to
clean and/or nourish the wood as you are shifting books? I thought of using
Murphy's Oil Soap in solution but am afraid there might be some lingering
chemical left after it dried that would not be good for the books. I've also
heard that oil of wintergreen rubbed into shelving warded off mildew and
that musty dusty smell."

Replies, thanks to Kay, Lee, Rena, and Pam:


"I have new oak shelving. I use a swiffer to dust. If I need to clean an
area I use Murphy's soap diluted in water. I also use that solution to clean
the tops of the circulation desk, library tables and study carrels."

"My new library (5 years ago) got new wooden shelving.  We were told by
the company supplying them that a damp cloth IF needed would do the
job.   But we weren't to use furniture polish!  Sliding books, you
know.

I suppose if your shelves were actually soiled in places, that a
diluted household cleaner without ammonia used sparingly would
probably work.  Other than that, I would stick to a damp cloth on an
as needed basis.

Now, dust...that's another issue.  We buy LOTS of swiffers."

"We have solid wood shelving.
We use Murphy's Oil Soap (diluted in water, sponge really wrung out).  When 
we have time (and inclination), we clean with Murphy's and then apply lemon 
oil.  Makes the shelves look great."

"I am a big fan of Murphy's Oil Soap and have used it for years on our wooden 
shelves. The janitor gives me grief because it is not on the "official" list of 
cleaning solutions, but those are too harsh and smelly. I have never heard it to be 
damaging to books. My grandmother used to use it to clean the old country church 
where she was a member. If it's good enough for God, it's good enough for me.--"

Thanks again,
Lindy Hutchison, Librarian
Sweeny HS Library
Sweeny, TX
lhutchison@mail.sweeny.isd.esc4.net

"Let us put our minds together and see what life we will make for our children." 
                                         --Tatanka Iotanka  (Sitting Bull)
                

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