How to Clean Photos for Scanning

Old photos need proper care.

Old photos are cherished heritage items to many family members. In the past, most people stored their photos in shoe boxes or photo albums. When it came to old family photos, no one spoke of acid-free, lignin-free or archival safe photos. In recent years, more and more people are becoming aware of the value these photos hold for future generations. After years of abuse, saving these images of long past has become a mission for many people. Repair, restoration and duplication of these heirlooms are increasingly popular solutions for those with home computers and scanners.

Things You'll Need

• Clean white lint-free cloth
• Clean white cotton gloves
• Clean soft makeup brush
• Archival spray

Instructions

1. 

   Wear white cotton gloves when touching old photos.

   Put on clean white cotton gloves to protect your photo from oil transfer from your hands. Choose the photo you want to scan. If there are areas in the top layer of paper that have been torn and folded over, they should be left folded. Trying to move brittle paper could cause more damage to the photo.

2. 

   Use a clean brush to dust photos.

   Place a clean white cloth on a clean, flat surface. Carefully place the photo on the cloth. Use a clean makeup brush or lint-free white cloth to lightly dust the photo to remove any loose foreign objects. Start in the middle of the photo and lightly dust out to the edges.

3. Scan the photo at the highest resolution possible before trying to remove any bits of foreign material on the photo such as mold or dirt. You may do more damage by trying to remove debris. If you are determined to try to remove foreign objects from your original photos, scan them as they are before attempting to clean them. You will then have a digital copy should your cleaning attempt damage the original.

Tips & Warnings

• After scanning, you may try a photo cleaning solution sold at some photography and hobby stores. Do this only after you have scanned your photo.

• You may choose to spray your photos and memorabilia with an archival spray that will prevent additional deterioration.

• Do not use tape or glue to repair torn photos.

• Store original photos in archival safe containers.

References

• Northeast Document Conservation Center: Conservation Treatment for Works of Art and Unbound Artifacts on Paper
• The Library of Congress Preservation: Care, Handling, and Storage of Photographs