While most mild smoke damage can be removed from photographs using simple household materials, severe cases should be treated by a restoration professional.
Things You Will Need
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Handle all photographic items with a pair of latex gloves. Using bare hands may result in additional smudging and fingerprint damage.
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Brush away surface soot from the front and back of all affected prints with a soft-bristled brush. Use a light, gentle touch when brushing away the soot.
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Remove tough patches of soot or any burned-on material using the edge of a dry sponge.
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Mix one cup of warm water and several drops of mild dish soap.
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Saturate a microfiber cloth with the mixture and then wring out excess moisture. Use the cloth to clean picture frames and photo album jackets. Rinse and remoisten the cloth as needed.
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Place an open box of baking soda in a large plastic bag. Set the photographs inside the bag next to the box and tie the bag shut for two days to remove smoke odors.
The Drip Cap
- Even a small, quickly contained house fire can cause extensive smoke damage.
- Use a light, gentle touch when brushing away the soot.
- Saturate a microfiber cloth with the mixture and then wring out excess moisture.