How To Clean Old Photographs?

Old photographs hold precious memories that we’ll love to keep forever. However, they can collect dust, dirt, and fingerprints over time. So, it is important to clean old photos carefully to protect these memories and prevent damage. Using the wrong cleaning methods when cleaning photographs can cause fading, scratches, or permanent stains. This article will guide you through safe and easy steps to clean old photographs without harming them. You’ll also learn how to desnow photos, a digital photo cleaning method used by professional photo restorers to edit pictures using the right digital tools and techniques.

How To Clean A Picture Without Ruining It

Photos, especially old ones, are very delicate, so you must be extremely careful when cleaning them. Before digital technology these photos were printed in a “dark room” by transferring the images from negatives to the photo paper. While the process of printing photos has become digital, your old photos were definitely printed using the old process. 

However, despite the transition from photo developing to digital printing, we still have matte photos and glossy photos as before. 

Knowing how to clean old photographs safely is extremely important. You need a bottle of photograph cleaner and special photograph cleaning wipes, a pair of special editing gloves (or lint-free gloves), a clean towel, a soft cleaning brush for removing dirt, and a hair dryer. The emulsion cleaners and wipes are different from the regular ones because they contain ingredients like mild surfactants, that are not as harsh on the images. 

They will guarantee that your photos won’t be damaged during the cleaning process. The same goes for the special editing gloves, which are also different from the regular gloves easily available in most stores. Also, before you begin the cleaning process, use a photo scanner or a photo scanning service to create digital copies of your photos. This is the most important step because it offers you something to fall back on in case there’s a mishap during the cleanup process.

How To Clean Photo Paper Prints 

Photo paper prints or developed photo films transferred onto matte photo paper, have a non-reflective, textured surface that reduces glare and fingerprints. They offer a soft, muted appearance with less vibrant colors than glossy photos. To clean matte photos, take the following steps.

1. With your lint-free gloves on, take a photo and place it on the clean towel with the image facing up. Your editing gloves ensure that natural oils or sweat from your hand don’t smudge the image as you begin the cleanup process.
2. Brush off the dirt with a very soft brush. It’s important to be gentle when cleaning photographs because brushing too hard can damage the photo. You can also carry out this step by blowing on the picture using a hand air pump blower. However, a soft brush is preferable.
3. Use the cleaning fluid and wipes to wipe off any remaining dirt. You should also be gentle with this process, ensuring you work slowly and meticulously. It’s also important to read and follow the instructions for using the cleaning solution and the wipes because these instructions sometimes vary according to the manufacturer.
4. Set your hairdryer to high heat and dry the photo by holding the dryer about 15 inches from it. Move the hairdryer left and right slowly over the photo until all parts are completely dry. Be careful with this process, as too much heat can also damage your photo. It is always best to test the distance on the back of your hand, as some hair dryers may provide more heat or expel the air with more force than others. As a key principle, the air should feel warm, not hot.
5. If your photo is an ambrotype, an incredibly old and rare photograph, the cleaning process may differ slightly. Ambrotypes consist of two glass plates: the inner plate, which contains the image, and the outer plate, which serves as the viewing glass that covers the image. With ambrotypes, only clean the viewing glass by wiping it with a cotton cloth soaked in alcohol. Do not tamper with the image plate.
6. If your photo has tough stains, seek professional photo cleaning services to handle them. Do not use harsh cleaning solvents.
7. Repeat the process for the remaining photos.

How To Clean Glossy Photos

Glossy photo prints and developed photo films transferred onto glossy photo paper are commonly used for albums and displays. The difference is that glossy photos can show fingerprints and glare more easily than matte photos. To clean glossy photos, take the following steps.

1. Find a flat, dry, and clean surface to work on. Avoid direct sunlight or humid areas. Place the photo on the clean towel with the image facing up. 
2. Clean hands are important to prevent oils or dirt from transferring to the photo. So, wear your editing gloves for extra protection.
3. Use the soft, clean brush or hand air pump blower to remove dust or loose particles. Avoid rubbing or applying too much pressure to prevent scratches.
4. Lightly wipe the photo with a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth for fingerprints or smudges. Do not press hard.
5. For stubborn marks and stains, dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water. Wring it out well so it’s not too wet. Gently wipe the affected area with the cloth, then immediately dry the photo with a clean, dry cloth.
6. Hold your hairdryer over the photo and move it around to dry it. You can also allow the photo to air dry completely before storing it.
7. Repeat the process for the remaining photos.

Old photos are very delicate, so you must be extremely careful when cleaning them. Over time, the colors of a photo can fade due to aging and exposure to light or humidity.

While cleaning using the above methods can help restore the physical appearance of photos, fixing faded images requires a different approach. If you wish to restore faded photos and bring back the colors as they once were, reach out to us.

What Can You Clean Old Photos With?

There are several misconceptions regarding how to clean old photographs. Most popular steps and cleaning fluids are unsuitable because they damage the images. The ideal cleaning solvent for cleaning photographs is a specialized photo-cleaning fluid. However, if you don't have access to this type of cleaner, you can make a DIY cleaning solution that can do the job effectively. We’ll discuss the two types below.

Photo Cleaning Solution

A photo cleaning fluid is a specially formulated liquid designed for safely cleaning photos without damaging them. It gently removes dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and light stains from photo surfaces. The composition varies depending on the brand and intended use but generally includes Distilled Water, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA, 50-70%), Non-Ionic Surfactants, Ammonium Hydroxide, and Mild Solvents. 

Unlike household cleaners, photo cleaning formulas are non-abrasive and pH-balanced to protect the photo’s coating and colors. They are typically used with a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab for careful cleaning. They are commonly used by photographers, archivists, and collectors to preserve and maintain printed photos.

DIY Photo Cleaning Solution

A DIY photo-cleaning solvent is a homemade mixture you can use to clean old or dirty photos safely. It is made with gentle, safe ingredients to avoid damaging the photo’s surface. One simple DIY solvent uses distilled water and a small amount of mild, transparent dish soap (do not use colored soap). Distilled water is important because it doesn’t contain minerals or chemicals that could harm the photo.

How to Make and Use It:

1. Mix one cup of distilled water with one drop of mild, alcohol-free dish soap in a small bowl. Stir gently.
2. Lightly dampen a soft, lint-free cloth or cotton swab with the solvent. Do not soak it—too much liquid can damage the photo.
3. Gently rub the photo’s surface in small, circular motions. Focus on small areas at a time.
4. Use a dry, soft cloth to gently blot the photo dry. Let it air dry completely before storing.

Important Tips:

• Always test the solvent on a corner of the photo first.
• Never use tap water, vinegar, or alcohol, as they can damage the photo.

Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean old photos?

No, you should not use rubbing alcohol to clean old photos. Rubbing alcohol can damage the photo’s surface by dissolving the protective coating, causing discoloration, fading, or peeling. It may also leave streaks or stains. Isopropyl alcohol is preferred for cleaning photos because it is pure, evaporates without residue, and minimizes the risk of damage.

How To Desnow An Old Picture

Desnowing an old picture means removing white spots or "snow-like" damage on the photo. These spots are often caused by scratches, dust, or aging. So, is there a way to clear up old photos? The simple answer is yes. You can achieve this by carefully following these steps:

1. First, scan the old photo using a high-quality scanner. Set the photo scanning resolution to at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to capture clear details. This way, the original photo stays safe while you edit a digital copy.
2. Open the scanned image in photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP (free), or mobile apps like Snapseed. These tools can help fix damaged areas.
3. Zoom in on the photo to clearly see the white spots or scratches. This helps you clean small areas more carefully.
4. Use the Healing or Clone Tool. These tools work differently but can achieve similar results.
5. Sometimes, adjusting brightness, contrast, and sharpness can make the photo look clearer after fixing the damage.
6. If the photo still has grainy spots, use noise reduction tools to smooth the image without losing details.
7. Save the edited photo in a safe format like JPEG or TIFF. Don’t forget to keep the original scan untouched in case you need to edit it again.

Who Cleans Old Pictures?

There are different professionals who are experts on how to clean a photograph print. The purpose for which they clean these old photos differs, as well as the method they use to achieve their goals. The two most prominent professions are photo conservationists and photo restorers. Contrary to what some might think, a professional photographer doesn’t clean old photos.

Photo Conservationists 

A photo conservationist is a trained expert who preserves and protects old or damaged photos. Their job is to stop photos from aging, fading, or worsening over time. They work with delicate and valuable photos, using special tools and safe cleaning methods to remove dirt, fix small damages, and prevent future harm.

Photo conservationists often work in museums, archives, or libraries, helping to care for historical photos and important collections. They also advise on how to store photos properly by using acid-free materials, safe storage boxes, and controlled environments to protect photos from light, moisture, and dust.

Unlike digital restoration, which edits scanned images, a photo conservationist carefully works on the original photo. Their goal is to keep the photo as close to its original condition as possible, ensuring it lasts many years.

Photo Restorers (digital, then print)

A photo restorer is a professional who repairs and improves old, damaged, or faded photographs. They use special tools and software to restore your images, which can include fixing tears, stains, scratches, and faded colors.

Most photo restorers work with digital copies of photos by scanning the original image and editing it using programs like Adobe Photoshop. They carefully correct damaged areas, restore missing parts, and enhance colors to make the photo look new again. They can also print these restored photos if needed.

Some photo restorers also work with physical photos, repairing small rips or cleaning the surface with safe methods. Their goal is to bring old memories back to life while keeping the photo’s original look.

Photo restorers like Pixels Photo Art allow you to restore your family photos, historical pictures, or important documents. Their work helps to preserve memories for future generations.