How to Clean Antique Photos

The history and care of a picture tells its own story. Preserving pictures is one of the most important jobs of any historian, as every picture carries with it value in its subject matter and needs care in its handling. Read on to learn how to clean antique photos.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Mesh tray
• Cool water
• Plastic tray

1. Consult a conservator. They will advise you and explain the deterioration process of antique photos.
2. Keep photos wet if water damage has occurred. There is a 72-hour window to clean wet photos.
3. Study the photos and determine the type of surface coat. If the photo is wet and then becomes dry, the surface coat becomes an adhesive.
4. Soak photos in cool water for at least 24 hours--many times photos release themselves.
5. Dry the photos separately. Lay the wet photos out on a flat surface that will absorb or let the water drain off.
6. Restore tin photos immediately--do not soak--the emulsion is different and will be destroyed by water.
7. Blow any dirt off the photo. If you wipe dirt off the photo there is a great chance the dirt will scratch the photo's finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep photos wet. Once dry there is no way to separate them without a great deal of damage.
• Do not try to pull photos apart if they are stuck together.
• Do not tape or glue photos together as this will ruin the photo.