The two biggest enemies of wet books are time and temperature.
Wet books begin to distort and swell immediately after becoming wet.
Wet books will develop destructive mold within 48-72 hours. Heat and humidity foster its growth. It is therefore important to immediately reduce temperature and humidity and create maximum air flow. Wet books must be frozen or dried with 48 hours. Quickly freezing wet books will eliminate swelling or prohibit further swelling and will inhibit mold growth.